This drug jar, of unusually large size, is part of a famous set, all of which bear the emblem of the 'Moor's Head' and a monastic badge incorporating the letters P A M Q. This particular jar was used for "SALE ARMVNIACO" (sal amoniac) or AMMONIUM CHLORIDE, NH4C1, the earliest known salt of ammonia (q.v.), which was formerly much used in dyeing and metallurgic operations.
Pharmacies in the Renaissance period were often run by a monastic orders as part of their hospitals and their badges are often incorporated in the decoration of the jars.
A significant number of black Africans were living in Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries, the majority as slaves in wealthy homes. The ‘Moor’s Head’ emblem, in which a black head wearing a narrow headband is presented in profile, has existed since the middle ages. Its origins may lie in the invasion of Spain and Portugal in 711 by African and Arab Muslim forces led by General Tariq ibn-Ziyad. It is an image of nobility, one much used in European heraldry.
Physical description
Drug-jar, tin-glazed earthenware, painted in blue, yellow, orange and copper green. The inscription 'SALE ARMVNIACO' is placed on a painted label in the center of a wreath. In the lower half of the wreath, a moor's head en profil, and above the label a oxskull. Incorporated in the wreath at the top and bottom, a monastic badge. The date 1501 is painted on the back.
Place of Origin
Deruta, Italy (made)
Date
1501 (made)
Artist/maker
unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Tin-glazed earthenware, painted in colours
Marks and inscriptions
'SALE ARMVNIACO' Sal ammonaic or AMMONIUM CHLORIDE
'PAMQ' [in monogram] under a patriarchal cross
Incised marks
Dimensions
Height: 32.0 cm, Diameter: 21.5 cm
Object history note
Gaisford St. Lawrence Collection, purchased out of the funds of the John Webb Trust.
Historical context note
This large drug jar is part of a large set made for an unidentifed pharmacy. This particular jar was used for SALE ARMVNIACO , Sal-ammoniac, ammonium chloride
The constriction just underneath the rim was used to close the pot off with a piece of parchment or paper and a string.
Descriptive line
Drug-jar, tin-glazed earthenware, painted in colours and inscription SALE ARMVNIACO,, made in Deruta, dated 1501
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
R. Drey, Apothecary Jars: pharmaceutical pottery and porcelain in Europe and the East 1150-1850, London, 1978, p. 41, fig 12 a
Shows another jar from the same set
Fiocco & Gherardi, Ceramiche Umbre, vol. I, Faenza 1988, pp. 60-61, figs. 20-22
The 4 drug jars which are part of same set as V&A piece are illustrated and discussed
Fiocco & Gherardi, La ceramica di Deruta dal XIII al XVIII sec., Perugia, 1994,pp. 181-184, figs. 52-57
The 4 drug jars which are part of same set as V&A piece are illustrated and discussed
Wison, T., Ceramic Art of the Renaissance, London, British Museum, 1987, cat 38, pp. 39-40
Another dated jar from the same set in the British Museum is described and illustrated here, with further bibliographic references.
Production Note
dated 1501
Materials
Earthenware
Categories
Black History
Collection code
CER
