Ext. Croci

18th century

This albarello drug jar depicts two lions flanking a cartouche topped by a crown. The interior of the cartouche has a cross with the letter P on the left and by the letter A on the right. The jar is very similar in style to the ones seen in objects 1991.0664.0669–.0673. The jar is labeled “Ext. croci” in black gothic text. The jar would have contained Extract of Crocus, or extract of saffron. Saffron was commonly used as an ingredient in a variety of medicinal preparations, often as an expectorant and blood stimulant.