A striking example of early 20th-century Italian decorative glass, this antique pharmacy jar was crafted in the celebrated Murano glassmaking tradition and dates to approximately the early 1900s.
The jar is formed from rich amber-coloured glass with a cylindrical body, rounded shoulders and a tall, narrow neck fitted with its original matching glass stopper. Its warm translucent tone is beautifully complemented by elaborate hand-painted decoration in gilt, cream, deep red and green.
The front features an ornate cartouche framed by scrolling Baroque-inspired foliage and architectural flourishes. At its centre is an aged pharmaceutical label reading “Biromia”, surrounded by stylized botanical motifs. The naturally crackled and distressed surface of the label gives the jar exceptional character and speaks to its age and historical use.
Additional gilded ornamentation continues around the sides and reverse, including a large fleur-de-lis motif and intricate foliate scrollwork. The stopper is also decorated, completing the jar’s richly detailed presentation.
Originally made for use in an Italian pharmacy or apothecary, jars of this type were designed to store medicinal compounds, herbs or preparations while creating an impressive visual display within the dispensary. Today, it makes a sophisticated decorative accent for a library, study, collector’s cabinet or curated interior.
The jar remains in antique condition with visible surface wear, losses to the painted and gilded decoration, craquelure, scratches and age-related patina throughout. These characteristics are consistent with its age. Please review the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.
Origin: Italy
Attributed manufacture: Murano
Date: Circa early 1900s
Material: Amber glass with hand-painted and gilt decoration
Dimensions: Approximately 6 3/4 inches high × 3 1/4 inches wide
Condition: Antique condition with age-related wear, paint and gilt loss, craquelure, surface scratches and patina
A striking example of early 20th-century Italian decorative glass, this antique pharmacy jar was crafted in the celebrated Murano glassmaking tradition and dates to approximately the early 1900s.
The jar is formed from rich amber-coloured glass with a cylindrical body, rounded shoulders and a tall, narrow neck fitted with its original matching glass stopper. Its warm translucent tone is beautifully complemented by elaborate hand-painted decoration in gilt, cream, deep red and green.
The front features an ornate cartouche framed by scrolling Baroque-inspired foliage and architectural flourishes. At its centre is an aged pharmaceutical label reading “Biromia”, surrounded by stylized botanical motifs. The naturally crackled and distressed surface of the label gives the jar exceptional character and speaks to its age and historical use.
Additional gilded ornamentation continues around the sides and reverse, including a large fleur-de-lis motif and intricate foliate scrollwork. The stopper is also decorated, completing the jar’s richly detailed presentation.
Originally made for use in an Italian pharmacy or apothecary, jars of this type were designed to store medicinal compounds, herbs or preparations while creating an impressive visual display within the dispensary. Today, it makes a sophisticated decorative accent for a library, study, collector’s cabinet or curated interior.
The jar remains in antique condition with visible surface wear, losses to the painted and gilded decoration, craquelure, scratches and age-related patina throughout. These characteristics are consistent with its age. Please review the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.
Origin: Italy
Attributed manufacture: Murano
Date: Circa early 1900s
Material: Amber glass with hand-painted and gilt decoration
Dimensions: Approximately 6 3/4 inches high × 3 1/4 inches wide
Condition: Antique condition with age-related wear, paint and gilt loss, craquelure, surface scratches and patina
