Bonhams 1793 : A pair of Savona maiolica two-handled apothecary jars, first quarter 18th century

Of ovoid form on a flared foot, the handles with animal terminals above a grotesque mask, a similar mask with an aperture above the foot, painted in blue with a continuous landscape scene depicting, on the front, a figure holding a banner on a castellated tower above a drug label, inscribed 'Aq. Accetosa' and 'Aq. Gramminis', respectively, the reverse painted with depictions of Neptune in his chariot, 42cm high, one with traces of lighthouse mark in blue (both feet restored, losses and old repairs to one rim) (2)

Sold for £2,280 inc. premium

Footnotes

These jars would have contained water infused with sorrel (Acetosa) and couch-grass. Acqua Acetosa is also a natural mineral water fountain in Rome, which was thought to have curative powers.

Category: Decorative Arts / European Ceramics

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