Dry drug jar

Dateca. 1765

MediumTin-glazed earthenware (delft)

DimensionsH: 7 3/8"; D: 5 7/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1966-91

DescriptionOvoid jar with shallow shoulder, slightly flared lip, and somewhat flared base. Bluish tin glaze decorated in blue with a trapezoidal straight-sided cartouche inscribed "U CAERUL MIT" and surrounded by a rococo foliate scroll. Below the cartouche, a group of 4 leaves with a central pendant. Base glazed.
Label TextUnguentum Caeruleum, "Blue Ointment," was made from mercury, hog's lard, and turpentine and was used to treat venereal diseases. A privately owned jar dated 1764 is the same shape and has the same cartouche. The decoration on CWF accession 1963-139 is not similar enough to suggest that the two jars were made as part of a set, but they are close enough to indicate that they were made at about the same time.
Inscribed"U CAERUL MIT"
MarkingsNo
ProvenanceMr. Sydney N. Blumberg, Newtown, CT