Stoneware Jars from the 18th Century from the Saxon Palace in Warsaw

Abstract

The article presents a unique set of 18th century apothecary vessels related to the Warsaw court of the Electors of Saxony. The stoneware jars were excavated at the site of the former Saxon Palace in Warsaw between 2006 and 2008. The collection, consisting of seven intact or almost completely-reconstructable specimens, is a unique find in Warsaw and in Poland. The article describes the vessels (their form, decoration and dimensions) and discusses their possible function (storing medicines used by the Saxon court). The study enlarges our limited knowledge about the material aspects of medicine in the Polish capital in the Modern period.