CREM

17th-18th century

This blown and molded square-shaped jar has a wide neck and flared lip. The white baked enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. Above the shield is a yellow crown. The bottle’s label bears the alchemical symbol for Powder, the word <i>CREM</i>, and the alchemical symbol for Tartar. This jar would have held powdered cream of tartar (potassium bitartrate) and is a byproduct of the winemaking process, crystallizing from the must (juice, skin, and pulp of grapes) in the fermenting barrel. Tartar was used as a diuretic and as a cathartic.