Museum of London Archaeology Service — Late Medieval; 14th century
Pottery' vessel, drug jar, albarello
This is one of a group of albarellos or drug jars found in a chalk-lined cesspit on an archaeological site on Fenchurch Street. These jars were made in Syria and probably traded through Italy. They are made of 'fritware' (a type of fine, white pottery) and decoration includes chequered, floral and panel designs. They would have been purchased in London for their contents - medicinal herbs and spices - rather than for their appearance. English doctors studied the works of great Arab medical authorities such as Avicenna and Averroes. Many spices and drugs were thought to have healing qualities. They were traded and stored in special drug jars like these.
- Category:
- —
- Object ID:
- FER97[1074]<3925>
- Object name:
- pottery' vessel, drug jar, albarello
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- Late Medieval; 14th century
- Material:
ceramic
- Measurements/duration:
- H 160 mm, DM 138 mm (overall)
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Molas
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
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