Set of 8 Italian Hand-Painted Apothecary Jars with Lids, Montelupo, Tuscany

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Set of 8 Italian Hand-Painted Apothecary Jars with Lids, Montelupo, Tuscany

A richly decorative set of eight Italian pottery apothecary … Read more Set of 8 Italian Hand-Painted Apothecary Jars with Lids, Montelupo, Tuscany

A richly decorative set of eight Italian pottery apothecary jars and canisters with lids, hand-painted in the traditional Tuscan maiolica manner and attributed to the Montelupo region of Italy, late 20th century. Each vessel is individually decorated with stylized pharmaceutical inscriptions, heraldic motifs, floral garlands, scrolling cartouches, and ribbon ornaments inspired by 17th and 18th century European pharmacy jars once used in monasteries and historic apothecaries.

Executed in tin-glazed earthenware with hand-painted polychrome enamels over a warm ivory ground, the group includes examples labeled “Ext. Thymi,” “A. Menthae,” “Salix Nigra,” “F. Salvia,” “V. Camphor,” and “Esprit de Venus,” evoking old botanical and medicinal preparations. The varied forms and hand-rendered typography create the appearance of an assembled antique collection gathered over generations.

The surfaces were intentionally glazed and finished to emulate the appearance of centuries-old pharmacy ceramics, including deliberate craquelure, rubbed edges, kiln-style distressing, and simulated enamel losses designed to suggest age and use. These decorative abrasions and worn areas are original to the artistic conception of the set and contribute greatly to its old-world European character.

One example bears an underside inscription reading “Dolfi Otello, Montelupo, Italy,” referencing the historic Tuscan center celebrated for maiolica production since the Renaissance.

Beautifully displayed together on open shelving in a European country kitchen, library, bar, or Palm Beach-style interior. The ensemble offers exceptional decorative impact while referencing the long tradition of Italian albarello and apothecary ceramics.

Dimensions:
Largest, 12 inches high x 6 inches diameter
1. “Ext. Thymi” — thyme extract
2. “A. Menthae” — mint
3. “Salix Nigra”—black willow
“4. V. Camphor” — camphor
5. “F. Salvia” — sage
6. “Esprit de "Venus"—likely referencing a perfumed or alchemical preparation
7. “Ess. Lignor”—essence of wood or botanical extract
8. “Sheriaca Andromachi”—an archaic pharmaceutical reference See less