English Delftware Drug Jar: Later songbirds design, 1690-1720

The ‘later songbirds’ design appeared at the beginning of the 1700s and was used on English Delftware drug jars until around 1770.
It uses elements from both the ‘early songbirds’ and ‘Apollo and peacocks’ designs.
The contents label is formed by a thick wavy line, above in the centre is a basket of fruit and the songbirds either side.
Similar to ‘Apollo and peacocks’ jars, below the contents label in the centre is an angel’s head, above a pair of wings. Similarly the bottom of the contents label is also decorated with swags and tassels.

This display jar has a Chinese style design, including a peacock, on reverse.

The inscription on this jar ‘E:DIASCORDIVM’ refers to
Electuarium Diascordium, Electuary of scordium.
This preparation was formerly regarded as a remedy of great importance, and was chiefly used for the plague. The original formula, which was included in the London Pharmacopoeia of 1618, contained I7 ingredients.

The jar was manufactured in London, around
1690-1720.