Albarello

This is a rare example of the Mamluk production of albarelli in Damascus, primarily produced for the European market. The albarello (pl. albarelli) was used as a medicinal jar for holding apothecary ointments and dried herbal drugs. Its elongated shape helps us to recognize the nature and function of this typical object. The Italian word albarello has a quite controversial etymology: sometimes said to be deriving from the Latin albaris, meaning “in wood” or “white”, sometimes from the Arabic al-barmil, which designates a barrel. Albarelli have been produced in the Middle East and Central Asia since the 5th century AH / 11th century CE and later on in 9th-century AH / 15th-century CE Spain and Italy; although, they are believed to have been first produced in Syria before making their way to Europe through Spain and Italy.
This particular albarello might have been specifically commissioned for an apothecary in Florence as the floral scrolls, lotus blossoms and rosettes of the overall decoration bears a frieze with three shields cartouches enclosing a fleur-de-lys (lily) coat of arm on a blue background. The fleur-de-lys is one of the oldest heraldic symbols in the world and one of the four most popular patterns because of its value of purity and power in the biblical tradition since the Byzantines. This heraldic sign was widely used in medieval Spain and Italy and here represents the city of Florence. The fleur-de-lys and blazons in general were also featured on Ayyubid and Mamluk potteries, coins or buildings as part of a decorated repertoire that entered with the Crusaders.