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Unguentum de Mercurio , 17th century
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This jar was probably manufactured in Frankfurt at the end of the 17th century. The term "faience" is derived from the Italian city of aenza, which started producing pharmacy jars with porcelain-like decoration in the 15th century.
The finely detailed pattern heavily recalls the famous blue and white motifs of Delftware. The peafowl depicted are a distinguishing feature of these vessels. The "peacock motif" with fruit basket above and an angel's head below the signature cartouche is very popular. Instead of peacocks can also be depicted jumping deer or sitting angels.
A direct assignment to the company's pharmacy, whose building was adorned with an angel from the beginning, but which was not officially named "Engel-Apotheke" until 1883, cannot necessarily be deduced from this. When and how the faience came to the company cannot be proven. However, there are a number of similarly designed pieces in the Corporate History object collection. In the 17th century, the pharmacy has not yet become significant enough to afford commissioning such a precious jar.