19th Century French Old Paris Porcelain Apothecary Jar - Boisy & Lemarchand France

Details

Description

19th Century French Old Paris Porcelain Apothecary Jar - Boisy & Lemarchand France

Estimated Age: 1870–1890 (Late 19th Century)
Dimensions:
… Read more 19th Century French Old Paris Porcelain Apothecary Jar - Boisy & Lemarchand France

Estimated Age: 1870–1890 (Late 19th Century)
Dimensions:
Height: 9.5 in. (with lid)
Diameter: 4.5 in.

A striking and highly collectible 19th-century French Vieux Paris (Old Paris) porcelain apothecary jar complete with its matching lid. This pharmacy vessel features exceptional Neoclassical hand-painted details, showcasing a prominent green "Pelican in its piety" feeding its young inside an architectural pediment. Flanking the label window are beautifully detailed marble columns accented with rich gilt trims.
The front window is inscribed in crisp black serif lettering with "CERAT SATURNI" (Cerate of Saturn)—a historical alchemical and pharmaceutical topical lead salve widely used in the 1800s.
Turning the piece over reveals an authentic, underglaze red oval manufacturer's stamp on the base reading "BOISY & LEMARCHAND / PARIS," a renowned wholesale supplier of pharmacy wares in 19th-century France. An incised size number "2" is also visible in the raw porcelain body.

Good antique condition consistent with age and utilitarian history. The porcelain body retains a beautiful glaze. There is a small V-shaped chip missing from the upper inside lip of the rim accompanied by a very faint hairline fracture running downward, visible only upon close inspection with the lid removed. The top finial knob shows significant decorative gilt loss/rubbing from decades of hands opening the container, which adds beautiful, authentic antique character. The lid has a chip in the edge. Please review all photos for a precise view of the condition. See less