British & Continental Ceramics & Glass (Day One) - 26th April 2023
Lot 249
A Delft apothecary bottle
Estimate £1,000 - £2,000
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Description
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.