18th century (c.1740-1760) Italian Apothecary’s wet drug jar – faience ware

This item no doubt emanated from the Savona area of Italy and has a stunning colourway being in two tones of blue. Technically, it is a piece of Italian maiolica/majolica ware and is an 18th century Apothecary’s wet drug jar (sometimes called a syrup jar). It is not missing its lid – these jars never had lids, but there would have been a cork stopper attached to the end of the spout (not too difficult to fashion if one was required for completeness).

Being a tin glazed earthenware this type of pottery is notoriously brittle, but collectors of faience are aware of this and accept a modicum of damage. As can be seen in the photographs it is clear that this jar was dropped historically and broken into a number of pieces at some time in the past - thank goodness someone had the foresight to glue it back together and did not add filler in the process

In detail we have the following:

• Bulbous body

• Carry handle and spout supported on a raised circular unglazed foot

• Extensive fritting and repairs

• Painting below the spout of an unidentified insect in blue and yellow (holding a sword)

• Handle is of twin strap form with a decorative terminal

• Potting lines to the interior of the jar – a clear indication that this jar was hand thrown

• Glazing losses throughout

• Broken into numerous pieces at one time in the past and glued back together - now secure

Summary: This is a piece for a faience collector or for an interior decorator who wants an attractive honest piece which will enhance any room and will attract interest. It is a fantastic starter piece for a faience collector. If the price seems a little high for a jar in this condition please look at comparative prices on eBay and antique dealers’ websites

Dimensions: Height: 8 inches (20 cms)

Delivery is just to the UK mainland. Delivery will be by UPS. This item will be extremely well packed and will be sent multi-boxed to further reduce the chance of it being damaged in transit

Please see my other items which are predominantly 18th and 19th century in date