EMP. DYAFIN

16th century

This tin–glazed albarello container was made in Siena, Italy, during the 16th century. The jar has a foot and is decorated by wavy ochre ribbons flanked by green foliage and blue, yellow, and ochre flowers. A blue-winged angel and a shield and a castle sit just above a blue and white band inscribed, <i>EMP. DYAFIN.</i> The jar may have contained emplaster diachylon, a common plaster made with lead and olive oil that was used to cover wounds.