Catartico Imperiale

ca 1500

This albarello has cobalt blue flowers and vines with yellowish–brown accents on a white background. During this early period of Italian majolica colors were generally limited to a rich cobalt blue, manganese and ochre. An escroll in the center of the container is inscribed with gothic lettering that reads <i>Catatiru Impiat.</i> The jar likely would have contained catartico Imperiale, a purgative electuary, or paste, which was made from scammony (bindweed), cardamom, and cinnamon.