Object Details
Description
This waisted drug jar has a flared foot and a deep blue glaze over a white background. The jar is decorated with stylized flowers and leaves on the upper and lower shoulders. The label at the center of the waist is marked, Ung d althea. The jar would have contained an ointment made from the Althaea, or marshmallow plant. The ointment was often taken from the roots of the plant and used as an emollient and demulcent (an oily substance to relieve a sore mucous membrane). This jar belongs to a set of drug containers seen in objects 1991.0664.0589 through 1991.0664.0596.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of American Pharmaceutical Association and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0596
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05808
collector/donor number
SAP 520
catalog number
1991.0664.0596
Object Name
syrup jar
jar
Physical Description
ceramic (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 19 cm x 13.5 cm; 7 15/32 in x 5 5/16 in
Related Publication
Urdang, George and Ferdinand William Nitardy. The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy: A Catalogue of the Collection
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Health & Medicine
European Apothecary
Art
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Pharmacy
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_993659