Albarello apothecary jar

Italy, 17th century

Maiolica painted in shades of blue, green, yellow, and ochre. Figure of a saint holding a book and a palm leaf (St Peter?) in a cartouche.

H: 26 cm

Unmarked.

UMP 8135

Purchased for the museum in 1892 by Kubasch, Brno.

Tall ceramic albarello containers were used as medicinal jars in Europe, storing salves and dry drugs. Italian maiolica makers adopted the form from Spanish-Moorish ceramics, adding themes of saints associated with treatment and healing.