English Delftware Drug Jar: Ribbon Cartouche design, 1658

Description

The ‘ribbon cartouche’ design was produced on drug jars from 1655-1670, around the same time as the ‘pipe-smoking man’ design.
The cartouche enclosing the contents label takes the form of a ribbon, with ends similar to a swallow’s tail.

The contents label on this wet drug ‘S:DE:ALTHAEAE R:D 1658’ reveals the jar was used for storing Syrupus de Althaeae, Syrup of marshmallow.
R.D. are the initials of apothecary who commissioned the jar.
The jar was manufactured in London in 1658, possibly at the Pickleherring pottery, Southwark.