MASTICI

16th century

This albarello has a stylized blue and yellow–brown floral motif. A green dragon resting in a footed cup is pictured in the center of the cartouche. Below the cartouche is an escroll inscribed with black lettering, <i>MASTICI.</i> Bands of blue and orange circle the neck and just above the base of the container. Pharmaceutical historian George Urdang in The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue notes that this container and 1991.0664.0516 were painted by the same artist, based on the similar palates and decorative motifs. The jar contained mastic, a resin obtained from bark and used as a tonic and astringent.