These antique blue-and-white ceramic apothecary jars were used by pharmacists to store medicinal preparations, particularly ointments and other compounded remedies. Their bold cobalt-blue bodies, white glazed lids and bases, and hand-painted or transfer-decorated labels are characteristic of traditional European pharmacy ware.
The surviving inscriptions used abbreviated pharmaceutical Latin, a common practice when pharmacists labeled medicines and ingredients. The larger jar begins with “UNG:”, an abbreviation for Unguentum, meaning ointment.
Apothecary jars of this type were both practical and decorative. They were displayed on pharmacy shelves, where standardized Latin names allowed pharmacists to identify their contents. Over time, repeated handling, cleaning, and exposure caused many of the painted labels to fade and flake.
A. Small
In very good condition with just one small chip on the bottom rim of the lid. Appears to read: PILANTIB
Measures: 3 1/2” tall x 3 1/4” diameter
B. Large
In good condition with staining, light crazing, and some small chipping as highlighted in the pictures. Reads: UNG: CALcOP
Measures: 5 1/2” tall x 4” diameter
Please view the images as your best description of these pots
These are authentic pieces sourced during my recent buying trip to England. I have been sourcing these wonderful antique pots for over 12 years from sources who are actually digging them up in ancient rubbish sites all over England. I purchased my first antique Advertising pot when my husband and I had the wonderful opportunity to live in England in the 1980’s. Our daughter was born there and we enjoyed living in England so much we often went back to visit after returning to the US.
Interestingly, this same daughter’s husbands job moved them to London were we have enjoyed visiting our grandchildren and traveling the countryside antiquing.
On our many visits we have became friends with many of the “diggers” excavating the ancient dumpsites all over the UK and now source thousands of pots from them every year. I still love the charm they add to every room they are placed in.
Returns are not excepted on these rare authentic pieces but please contact if you have any questions
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