Dry drug jar

Date1677 (dated)

MediumEarthenware, tin-glaze (delft)

DimensionsOD: 5 7/8" (14.9 cm); OH: 7 1/8" (18.1 cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1946-113

DescriptionJar of long globular form with everted rim and spreading foot. White tin glaze decorated in blue with a tassel cartouche and inscribed "C CALENDUL." Strapwork around inscription, pairs of tassels at either end, and swags, more tassels, a fleur-de-lis, the initials IF, and the date 1677 at the bottom. No glaze on the base.
Label TextConserva Calendulae was made from the flowers of the garden marigold.

Scholar Frank Britton identifies the initials IF "almost certainly" as those of the apothecary John Fisher of Walbrook. Two other drug jars from this set are recorded, a dry jar inscribed "C COCHLEARIAE" add a wet jar shaped like a dry jar but with a spout and a handle (now missing) inscribed "O NARDlNUM." A typically shaped wet drug jar with the same cartouche and date has the initials IR rather than IF. Other jars with this cartouche are dated 1667, 1669, 1670, 1672, 1675, and 1690.
Inscribed"C CALENDUL
Markings1677
ProvenanceMr. and Mrs. Frank Freeth
Ginsburg & Levy, Inc., New York