albarello (Storage Jar)

About this object

History of use

Merchants wishing to use jars for different contents selected plain white jars, which they could relabel frequently. This jar illustrates a shape that made it easy to remove from the pharmacy shelf.

Cultural context

functional; decorative

Specific techniques

tin-glazed

Physical description

White glaze earthenware pharmacy or storage jar. Cylindrical shape with narrowed waist, rounded convex shoulder and lower body; everted neck and lip and splayed flat base.