Large French Old Paris Apothecary 'Extrait Belladone' Jar, Now as a Lamp

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Large French Old Paris Apothecary 'Extrait Belladone' Jar, Now as a Lamp
France, early 20th century, possibly an apothecary fixture

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France, early 20th century, possibly an apothecary fixture

A large French Old Paris Apothecary Jar, now repurposed as a lamp, is a unique and historically rich piece from the early 20th century, possibly originally an apothecary fixture. Standing 27 inches high to the top of the socket and 24 inches to the top of the jar, which has a 10-inch diameter, this substantial piece features a polychromed neoclassical armorial shield with black lettering reading 'Extrait Belladone' (Belladonna Extract). Known as deadly nightshade, belladonna was used in the 19th century for medicinal purposes such as relaxing muscle spasms and regulating heart rate. The drug also holds a place in literature and folklore for its associations with poisoning, love potions, and witchcraft. This apothecary jar lamp is a truly unique and thought-provoking historic medicinal relic, ready to be shaded and placed as a unique addition to any interior. See less