A wonderful Empire period porcelain lidded apothecary jar, dating from the 19th century. Exuberantly decorated with a vibrantly enamelled design of exotic birds and butterflies on a cobalt blue background, it is generously accented with gilt embellishments. This large jar is labelled “O: Matris Thecle”, referring to its original contents centuries ago, when it would have adorned the shelf of an old apothecary shop, among all sorts of other herbs, syrups, oils and remedies. The elaborate decoration of this jar reflects the quality and prosperity of the shop in which it resided – it is truly a work of art. The design of these pots is very particular to France, and this is a rare opportunity to acquire such an unusual and attractive example.