Antique Blue and White Apothecary Opium Jar – “Pil. Plumb.Cu Opio” – 19th Century Chemist Pot
Antique Blue and White Apothecary Opium Jar – “Pil. Plumb.Cu Opio” – 19th Century Chemist Pot
Antique Blue and White Apothecary Opium Jar – “Pil. Plumb.Cu Opio” – 19th Century Chemist Pot
Antique Blue and White Apothecary Opium Jar – “Pil. Plumb.Cu Opio” – 19th Century Chemist Pot
Antique Blue and White Apothecary Opium Jar – “Pil. Plumb.Cu Opio” – 19th Century Chemist Pot
Antique Blue and White Apothecary Opium Jar – “Pil. Plumb.Cu Opio” – 19th Century Chemist Pot
Antique Blue and White Apothecary Opium Jar – “Pil. Plumb.Cu Opio” – 19th Century Chemist Pot
Antique Blue and White Apothecary Opium Jar – “Pil. Plumb.Cu Opio” – 19th Century Chemist Pot
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  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Antique Blue and White Apothecary Opium Jar – “Pil. Plumb.Cu Opio” – 19th Century Chemist Pot
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Antique Blue and White Apothecary Opium Jar – “Pil. Plumb.Cu Opio” – 19th Century Chemist Pot
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Antique Blue and White Apothecary Opium Jar – “Pil. Plumb.Cu Opio” – 19th Century Chemist Pot
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Antique Blue and White Apothecary Opium Jar – “Pil. Plumb.Cu Opio” – 19th Century Chemist Pot
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Antique Blue and White Apothecary Opium Jar – “Pil. Plumb.Cu Opio” – 19th Century Chemist Pot
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Antique Blue and White Apothecary Opium Jar – “Pil. Plumb.Cu Opio” – 19th Century Chemist Pot

Antique Blue and White Apothecary Opium Jar – “Pil. Plumb.Cu Opio” – 19th Century Chemist Pot

£120.00
£120.00
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Tax included.
A striking 19th-century apothecary jar in vivid cobalt blue and white glaze, labelled “PIL. PLUMB. CUM OPIO” — Latin for Pilulae Plumbi cum Opio, or “Lead Pills with Opium.” This preparation once contained a compound of lead acetate and opium, a potent Victorian-era medicine used to treat chronic diarrhoea, dysentery, and intestinal inflammation due to its constipating and sedative properties. Both substances were later discontinued once their dangers were fully understood, making jars like this fascinating relics of early medical history.

The jar stands approximately 7 inches (18 cm) tall and features its original gilt-edged label and domed lid. The interior shows fine age-related crazing to the glaze, and there is an old surface crack visible on the lid — stable and typical for its age. Its deep colour and classical form make it a compelling decorative piece for collectors of medical antiques or those curating a curiosity cabinet or dark academia interior.