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Pharmacy Jar
Pharmacy Jar
Pharmacy Jar

Pharmacy Jar

PeriodCirca 1720
Place MadeProbably England
MediumBuff earthenware with tin glaze
Dimensions9.25 × 10 in. (23.5 × 25.4 cm)
MarkingsHandwritten label "HH-36 Delft Drug Jar H. House MCHA," and small handwritten label "586," both affixed to underside of jar. Jug features "S Cochliarie" within ovoid central panel.
ClassificationsEarthenware
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. William C. Riker,
Object number1979.517.11
DescriptionPharmacy or drug jar, with wide bulbous body atop round pedestal foot. Thick, slightly flared lip rim, originally fitted with brass lid (See MCHA 1979.517.6, 7). Thick, short spout protrudes from center front of jar. Thick ear loop handle at jar back. Entire jar covered with opaque white tin glaze. Cobalt blue central decoration, consiting of ovoid central panel topped with fruit basket above, flanked by pair of peacocks, while below classical head flanked by floral bunches. "S Cochliarie" painted in ovoid panel.
NotesPharmacy or drug jars were used as storage containers in seventeenth and eighteenth century pharmacies. The jars usually featured painted titles on their sides identifying the contents. In this particular jar, "Cochliarie" refers to cochlearia armoracia, or common Horseradish. Found wild in Europe, the roots of this pungent herb were used in treating indigestion and flatulence. Horseradish also promoted perspiration and serve as an excellent diuretic (increased urine flow). An herb's purging qualities (i.e., perspiration and urination" were considerewd clearly visible signs of its effectiveness.
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