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Drug jar

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possibly made at Castel Durante, Italy

Drug jar
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This maiolica drug jar was made in Italy, possibly at Castel Durante. It dates from the mid or late 16th century.

The jar is decorated in polychrome with a medallion of St Martin and the beggar, with a border of trophies and musical instruments. It is inscribed 'ELo : ROS TO : MESS' [Rose petals of Messue].

The pale colouring with light greyish-blue, yellow and orange predominating on a white ground is inspired by a type of sketchy decoration used by contemporary decorators at Faenza in Italy and known as the 'stile compendiario'. The jar probably contained an electuary made from rose petals following the formula of Messue. Messue was a medieval writer, possibly fictitious, to whom were ascribed various medical writings.

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