Dating to the mid-1900s, this set of four Italian ceramic pharmacy jars has been painted blue and white. All four jars have been fired with a similar shape, size, and motifs, with the exception of the Italian name of the ingredients, which is painted in black on a scroll (cipresso = cypress, cardo = thistle, avena = oats, abete = fir).

The background of the jars is white, with most of the blue motifs localized on the fronts, save for blue rings on the circular bases, openings, and lids. Each lid has a ball finial with the top one-third painted in blue. The handles are comprised of lion mascarons with tufts of blue fur on the crown and ears. Directly beneath every lion is a shallow mascaron also surrounded by blue hair. There is a third mascaron at the bottom, above a shallow protuberance. Every low relief mascaron has been depicted with its mouth agape. Above the bottom mascaron is a pair of large flowers with leafy vines, just beneath the ingredient scroll. Our set of four Italian ceramic jars would be a perfect addition to a kitchen.

CONDITION: Good condition, with minor losses, specifically to bases and lids. Very light buildup with some imperfections during the firing process.