Photograph: Squat, white jar decorated in blue with vertical stripes around the top, leaf-like shapes around the middle and lines around the bottom.
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Albarello

Date: 1300s

This is one of a group of albarellos or 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 jars like these.

Accession number: FER97[1074]<3925>

Place made: Syria

Place of collection: Plantation House, Chesterfield House (will be Plantation Place), 26-38 Fenchurch Street EC3 [City of London]

Material: ceramic

Measurements: H 158 mm; DM 135 mm

Gallery location: Case 19.2

Related material

Subjects:

Health
Middle East
Poverty & Wealth

Objects:


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