MYRTUS

Unknown artist

This albarello drug jar is decorated with stylized cobalt blue leaves. The top portion of the albarello, badly cracked and repaired, is decorated with orange–brown leaves. There are two medallions on each side of the container. One is the profile of a man wearing a hat. The second medallion is framed in cobalt blue and white and is inscribed <i>MYRTUS.</i> Myrtus is the common myrtle berry which grows in Southern Europe and North Africa. Over the centuries myrtle was used for ulcers and to strengthen the bones. Throughout Europe myrtle is incorporated into wedding bouquets.