Ung: Santalum

18th century

This waisted drug jar has a white background decorated with stylized garlands of blue and orange flowers surrounded by green leaves. The waist has a band of gothic–style letters that read <i>Ung Santalinum</i>. The foot has a green wash and the lid has a band of blue flowers. The lid has a crack down the center and the finial has broken off. Historian George Urdang attributes this piece to mid–eighteenth century Strasbourg. The jar would have contained Unguentum santalum, or ointment from the "Santalum", or sandalwood tree. The oils from sandalwood were well known for their strong aromas, and were used as an antivenereal and astringent.