An Italian maiolica wet drug jar

An Italian maiolica wet drug jar, inscribed 'SV-ROS-SOL', and initialed 'FB' on a blue leaf scroll ground. The neck damaged. 17th century, 28cm. Ros solis was a herb made from the common sundew or round leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia). The sundew has a long history of herbal use, having been popular for its fortifying and aphrodisiac effects. It was of great value in the treatment of various chest complaints and in America it has been advocated as a cure for old age.