19th Century Apothecary Jars

A matched set of six French porcelain apothecary jars, dating to the 19th century, each of cylindrical form with domed covers and finial top terminals. The jars are decorated in the traditional pharmacy style with polychrome and gilt embellishment, including botanical and pharmaceutical motifs, and retain their original hand-painted labels identifying the contents. Such jars were used in pharmacies and dispensaries to store medicinal preparations, herbs, extracts, ointments, and confectionary remedies. The elegant white porcelain bodies with gilded borders exemplify the decorative yet functional character of nineteenth-century pharmaceutical wares.

1. Ong: de Laurier
   Onguent de Laurier
   Translation: Laurel Ointment (an ointment prepared from bay laurel leaves)
2. Ext: de Laituë
   Extrait de Laitue
   Translation: Lettuce Extract (typically wild lettuce extract, used as a mild sedative)
3. Ext: Ratan:
   Extrait de Ratanhia
   Translation: Rhatany Extract (from the root of Krameria, used as an astringent)
4. Cons: Cynorr:
   Conserve de Cynorrhodon
   Translation: Rosehip Conserve (a sweet medicinal preserve made from rose hips)
5. Ext: Quinq: Jaun
   Extrait de Quinquina Jaune
   Translation: Yellow Cinchona Extract (a quinine-bearing bark extract used in treating fevers)
6. Cer: Soufré
   Cérat Soufré
   Translation: Sulfur Cerate (a sulfur-based medicinal ointment)

Dimensions: 4" DIA , 8" H