Apothecary Jar 1660 - 1680

Damián Hernández created this apothecary jar in 17th century Mexico. Its ceramic form, adorned with blue decorations, speaks volumes about the intertwined histories of medicine, commerce, and cultural exchange during the colonial era. Imagine the social context: pharmacies in the 17th century were essential hubs, dispensing not just remedies but also knowledge. This jar, likely commissioned by a pharmacy, represents more than mere storage. The design merges indigenous aesthetics with imported materials and techniques, mirroring the complex cultural landscape of colonial Mexico. It also tells us about the networks of trade and the circulation of knowledge that shaped the era. Historical records, trade documents, and studies in pharmacology can help to understand the jar’s significance. Ultimately, its existence reminds us that art objects are not isolated creations, but rather, tangible embodiments of social, economic, and intellectual currents.