A pair of small Italian maiolica drug jars and covers c.1760

A pair of small Italian maiolica drug jars and covers c.1760, the baluster forms raised on circular feet, inscribed 'Pulv Coral' and 'Scamon' respectively, and a North Italian maiolica jar and cover, inscribed ' Alum Usti' and painted in blue with simple buildings and trees, 16.5cm max. (6)

The inscriptions relate to Powder of Coral (historically used in the treatment of the Black Death), Scammonia or Bindweed (used as a purgative), and Calcined Alum, which has medical uses in the treatment of sores but has a number of other alchemical, culinary, cosmetic and industrial uses.