English and European Ceramics and Glass - 2nd May 2018
Lot 248
Two small delftware dry drug or pill jars 1st half 18th century
Estimate £300 - £500 | Hammer £1600
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Description
Two small delftware dry drug or pill jars 1st half 18th century, both painted in blue with birds among branches flanking a basket of fruit, one cylindrical and inscribed 'THER:ANDROM', the other ovoid and inscribed 'PHILON:ROM', small faults, 9.8cm max. (2)
The cylindrical jar with a paper label for the Lipski Collection, no. 758.
Theriac of Andromachus was a traditional remedy containing 73 ingredients including viper flesh, making it a popular choice as an antidote to poisonous bites. Philonium Romanum included opium and was used to promote sleep.