Albarello
about 1435–75
Object PlaceValencia, Spain
Medium/TechniqueEarthenware with blue and luster decoration on opaque white glaze
DimensionsHeight: 31.5 cm (12 3/8 in.); diameter: 12.7 cm ( 5 in.)
Weight = 4.0 lbs
Weight = 4.0 lbs
Credit LineBequest of William Homer
Accession number03.1050
On View
On viewClassificationsCeramics
Collections
This albarello probably held dried herbs or medicinal preparations and may have been used in a domestic setting. Though made in Spain, this type of specialty lusterware with likely decorative motifs was extremely popular in Italy, where the luster technique was not mastered until late in the 15th century.
This type of Spanish drug jar, used to store herbs and dry medicinal preparations, was imported into Italy for use in pharmacies.
ProvenanceWilliam Homer (b. 1847 - d. by 1903), Boston; 1903, bequest of William Homer to the MFA. (Accession Date: May 26, 1903)
1310 A.D./ A.H. 710
about 1810
early 13th century
early 13th century