18th Century Italian Tin-Glazed Earthenware Majolica Apothecary Jars – a Pair

A pair of two antique European tin-glazed earthenware apothecary jars. circa 1775

Originally used as medicinal pottery jars that held ointments and dry drugs at apothecaries and pharmacies, these 18th century Italian blue and white faience albarelli are now used as decorative accessories and are highly sought after by collectors.

Handmade in Italy in the late 18th century, having a pointed finial and sloped lid, over cylindrical jar with beautiful hand painted birds, figural masks, and foliate motifs, one inscribed “A Sambuco” at front face, one inscribed “A Ortica” at front face, both signed with blue crown over M mark underfoot.

The oldest albarelli were always about seven inches tall, and since these jars needed to be easy to use with one hand, they were cylindrical in shape, with a tapered waist and a large mouth. Typically used in Spain and the Near East, decorations featured Moorish and Islamic themes associated with those regions. In the 15th century, during the Renaissance, Spanish traders introduced these jars to Italy. It was at this point that albarelli began to be produced using tin-glazed earthenware, often called majolica. Variations in height also began to appear during the Renaissance and decorations became more important as albarelli were known to represent status and wealth. Jars were hand painted and the contents of the jar were painted directly on the earthenware.

Dimensions: (approx)
12″ High, 5.5″ Diameter (each)
6lbs total

Superb museum quality examples, great original antique condition, especially considering their age, with wear consistent with age and use, including scattered typical small chips, glaze losses, all attractive antique character marks.