Antique European Apothecary Jar – "Adonis" (18th-19th Century, Likely Westerwald or French Faience)

This rare and elegant antique apothecary jar, dating from the 18th or 19th century, is a fine example of European ceramic craftsmanship. Beautifully hand-painted in deep cobalt blue, the jar features an elaborate floral motif and the inscription "Adonis" in Gothic script, likely referencing an herbal remedy related to beauty or health.

Unlike traditional Delftware, the jar's denser ceramic body and speckled, beige-toned glaze suggest it may originate from the renowned Westerwald (Germany) or French faience centers such as Rouen or Nevers. The sturdy pedestal base and rounded form are characteristic of European apothecary jars used in historical pharmacies. This piece stands as both a functional artifact of medical history and a striking decorative element.

Key Features:

• Authenticity: Antique European apothecary jar, most likely from Westerwald (Germany) or France (18th-19th century).
• Material: Stoneware or tin-glazed faience with hand-painted cobalt blue floral and script design.
• Dimensions: Height: 20cm, Base perimeter:10cm
• Condition: Excellent for its age, with visible patina, natural glaze crazing, and wear consistent with historical use.
• Usage: Originally used in an apothecary for medicinal storage; now a valuable collector’s item or decorative display piece.

The Story Behind the Find:

Hidden for decades in the storeroom of an old European pharmacy, this apothecary jar was rediscovered during the restoration of an early 19th-century apothecary. Beneath layers of dust and forgotten manuscripts, it sat alongside other relics of a time when pharmacists relied on hand-labeled jars to store herbal remedies.

The inscription "Adonis" hints at its contents—perhaps an early botanical preparation associated with vitality, beauty, or healing, inspired by the mythological figure. Whether it once held a medicinal herb, an aromatic infusion, or a secret elixir, this jar has traveled through time, carrying the echoes of past remedies and traditions.

A Message to the Future Owner:

"This jar is more than just an antique—it is a relic of an era where science and art intertwined. May it grace your collection with the same dignity it once held in a grand apothecary, preserving its history for generations to come."