PAIR OF ENGLISH DELFTWARE BLUE AND WHITE DRY DRUG JARS MID-18TH CENTURY

Probably London, each painted on the front with an elaborate label surmounted by a shell flanked by angels and inscribed either E: LENITIVUM or C: CYNOSB:.

Johnathan Horne Antiques Ltd., London.

Both with typical glaze abrasions to the rim edges. The jar with E: LENITIVUM: the foot is overall restored, covering several chips to the footrim. An approximate 1-inch section is chipped away, the filled-in restoration is retained. The jar with C: CYNOSB: The foot is overall restored; there are some typical glaze losses 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

See next page for an illustration of this lot.

A similar jar inscribed E: LENITIVUM is illustrated in Michael Archer, Delftware, The Tin-glazed Earthenware of the British Isles, p. 395, cat. no. K.9, where the author mentions that this jar was intended to hold electuarium lenitivum, which was made from various ingredients, including senna, tamarind pulp, liquorice and others. Another jar inscribed C: CYNOSB: is illustrated in Briony Hudson, ed., English Delftware Drug Jars, p. 243, cat. no. 210, where it is stated that the abbreviation is for conservus cynobastus, which was a "conserve of rosehips from the dog rose, used as a binding and flavoring agent."