Franciscan Maiolica Pharmacy Jar

A maiolica jar with a pair of applied, ornate handles in the shape of sea-horses and a short spout. The body of the jar bears the arms of the [Order of St Francis (Franciscans) surrounded by fruit and floral decoration. This jar would have been made for a Franciscan pharmacy, to container a liquid medicine. Religious houses were often purveyors of medicines during the 16th century. The reverse is …