This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance
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Pair of Italian maiolica albarelli, Castel Durante, circa 1580, the waisted body decorated with the pharmaceutical inscriptions ‘Hiera picra’ and ‘Conf.s.Amech’ (Confezione Hamech) within a green rimmed scroll within a yellow ground cartouche surmounted by a crenelated tower within the letters ‘A. Q.’ , the body with a blue ground with sgraffito scrolls and trophies in ochre; height: 7 1/4 in. (18.5cm.). Hiera picra (from the Greek sacred and bitter) and Confezione Hamech (reputedly named after an Arab physician) are both purgatives, ‘Confectus’ was usually a sweetened syrup to which herbs were added; see Drey, Rudolf E. A, ‘Apothecary Jars’ for further details. Ornamental features associated with Castel Durante pharmaceutical pottery of this period include the ‘so-called trophies – medleys of weapons, shields, helmets, drums, music books, etc.’ as seen on this pair (Drey, p. 54).
Dimensions
18.5cm. heightStock number
U948The BADA Standard
- Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
- Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
- Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
- Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
- Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees