An early delftware drug or pill jar, c.1680, painted in blue with an angel with outstretched wings

An early delftware drug or pill jar, c.1680, painted in blue with an angel with outstretched wings around a ribbon banner inscribed 'P RUFFI', minor rim chipping, 9.7cm.

Pilulae Rufi were named after the 1st century AD anatomist and physician, Rufus of Ephesus, who developed them. The pills contained Socotra aloes, myrrh and saffron and were believed to have anti-pestilential qualities.