A Delft apothecary bottle

A Delft apothecary bottle, mid 17th century, the tall ovoid form painted in blue with a cartouche inscribed 'A. Buglossi' beneath a fleur de lys motif and above an angel mask, footrim chips, a small rim section lacking, 27.5cm.

The leaves, roots and flowers of bugloss were all used and were said to cure melancholy as well as alleviating headaches and nervous complaints.

Cf. J K Crellin, Medical Ceramics in the Wellcome Institute, p.79, no.144 for a jar with similar decoration.