Fine Porcelain and Pottery - 15th September 2015

Lot 60

Three English delftware drug jars 18th century

Estimate £400 - £600 | Hammer £450

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Description

Three English delftware drug jars 18th century, two dry drug jars painted in blue, each with a cartouche surmounted by birds or putti flanking a basket of fruit, inscribed 'U: POPULN' and 'E:DIAS: S: MEL', and a syrup jar with similar decoration beneath a knopped spout, inscribed 'O: PETROLÆ', damages and glaze loss, 19.5cm max. (3)

Unguent of Populeon included poplar buds in its ingredients and was used in the treatment of burns, Petrolæ refers to parsley and the other jar appears to have contained an electuary of honey, both of which had a variety of medicinal uses.