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U Defensivo
From the collection of National Museum of American History. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
This squat albarello jar has a wide mouth and foot. The jar has a white glaze and is decorated with a blue stylized floral motif with a cross–hatch border just above the shoulder and the foot. The center of the jar bears the text <i>U Defensivo</i> in gothic font. The jar would have contained Unguentum Defensivum, or a defensive ointment. The ointment was composed of the plant Dragon’s blood (the red resin from several different types of trees), Armenian bole, rose oil, vinegar, and wax. The ointment was used to treat skin lesions and wounds.
National Museum of American History’s own descriptionCredit lineU Defensivo. ca 1500. National Museum of American History, Gift of American Pharmaceutical Association and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. CC0.
