Apothecary Bottle, OL VALERIAN

18th century

this blown and molded square bottle has rounded shoulders, and a oval-shaped glass stopper. Dating from the eigteenth century, its baked enamel label is typical of the Rococo style. The oval cartouche is outlined in blue stylized acanthus leaves and pink ribbon the center of the cartouche is marked in black <i>OL VALERIAN</i>. Oil of Valerian was sometimes used as a mild sedative and an anticonvulsant for epilepsy. This jar is one of a group of six small containers for oil extracts decorated with the same labels.