Albarello
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An albarello is a type of majolica jar (earthenware with a white tin glaze) originally designed to hold apothecaries' ointments and dry drugs. It was commonly made in Italy from the 15th to 18th century, and is nowadays made in Spain and the Middle East.
The jars are usually cylindrical or slightly concave to make it easier to grasp, and have a large mouth making it easy to dispense and refill. Such jars can often be seen as decorations in older apothecaries and pharmacies, but are typically only for decoration, as modern medicine is prominently kept in more sanitary packaging.
Common features can range from a simple flower motif against a white background, to a more elaborate design such as a portrait of a cherub or priest, and almost always includes a label describing the contents of the jar.
