Description:
Dutch delft dry drug jar with a dark blue cartouche with a straight panel labeled "EX" in the the small semicircular area (characteristic of Dutch design) over "ABSYNTH." The pot held an extract ("EX" on label) of absinth, which was made from the leaves and flowering tops of the wormwood plant, "Artemisia absinthium", a strong, bitter and stimulant tonic that was seen as antispasmodic, stomachic, diuretic, febrifuge, narcotic, and emmenic. "Grey's Supplement to the Pharmacopia" states: "Bitter, stomachic, excites the appetite to promote digestion, antiseptic, and vermifuge; it was recommended by Haller for keeping off fits of the gout, for which is is said to have served the Emperor Charles V. This plant is thought to drive away insects from clothes and furniture, for which purpose it is often laid into drawers or chests in this country." The cartouche is decorated with the peacock design, the most common design on Dutch delft jars that appeared before 1665 and lasted into the mid 18th century. However, attribution can be difficult since the peacock motif was also produced in England, Belgium, northern France, Berlin, and possibly Copenhagen. The top center fruit basket with two scrolled handles is set on a mask (a Dutch design) flanked by scrolls, four flattened arches, peacocks standing on one leg on each end arch facing the basket, and scrolls at each top corner. The shaped bottom edge has a cherub's head, folded wings, scrolls, swags with a flower and leaves, and tassels. The jar has an everted rim to hold a tied-on cover, waisted shoulder, slightly flared sides, and a waisted incurving base over a flat foot with a rounded edge.
Subjects:
Pottery; glaze (coating by location) Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+53.108 |
