AN ITALIAN MAIOLICA TWO-HANDLED DRUG JAR, VENICE OR MONTELUPO, CIRCA 1580 |

the rope-twist handles with mask terminals, named in gothic script 'S. ros. sol.', Syrupus rosarum solutivus, on a polychrome ground of fruit and flowers,

There is restoration to approximately half of the lip of the rim. To the shoulder at the front there are patches of discoloured over paint. There is a body crack to the lower section. There is some chipping and an area of restoration to the footrim.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A similar armorial jar of this form and decoration, labelled in gothic script for 'Oximel finum' is published by Giuseppe Morazzoni, La Maiolica Antica Veneta - I, Milan, 1955, pl. 47c, which the author notes was probably made for the Ospedale Maggiore in Milan. A further similar jar, vaso a palla, labelled 'Dia Prunis S', is published by Paolo Canelli, Maioliche Veneziane del Cinquecento, da collezioni private, Milan, 1990, no. 5. The 18th century English physician Robert James (1703-1776) wrote in his work Pharmacopoeia Universalis, Or, A New Universal English Dispensatory, that a solutive syrup of roses '...makes a tolerable good Purge for Children and weak People, and is often added in Prescriptions to Cathartic Decoctions and Infusions.'