English Delftware Drug Jar: Apollo and Peacocks, around 1675-1700

Description

In the ‘Apollo and peacocks’ design of drug jar Apollo’s head is centrally placed above the contents label. Apollo is the Roman god of medicine and healing. A straight cartouche forms the contents label, flanked either side by peacocks. Below the contents label, in the centre, is an angel’s head, above a pair of wings. The bottom of the contents label is also decorated with swags and tassels.

The inscription on this wet drug jar ‘S E ROSIS SICC’ reveals the jar was used for storing Syrupus e rosis siccis, Syrup of dried roses.
The jar was manufactured in Southwark, London around 1675-1700.

The ‘Apollo and peacocks’ design was used on English Delftware drug jars from around 1675-1700.

Fact

Apollo, the Roman god of medicine and healing, is the central figure in the coat of arms of the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London, founded in 1617.