Very decorative, monumental Victorian lidded, reverse painted glass apothecary dispensing/display jar. Dating from the mid to late 1800s, these are becoming increasingly rare to find in such good condition and with the original gold lid. This particular piece was produced by York Glass Co (Limited).
Handblown, it is reverse painted by hand, with a white ground and gilt detailing. There is some minor loss to the paint, as you would expect from a piece that would have been used regularly. Decorated with a large crown, the banner reads 'Sodae Carb.' (Bicarbonate of Soda), in addition there is a small emblem central to the design, depicting the motto of the Order of the Garter 'Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense', which means 'Shame on whoever thinks evil of it' - suggesting that anyone who misinterprets the contents of the jar should be ashamed.....probably because it would have contained a white powder......
The glassworks in York was operational from the late 18th Century, in various guises, until the site was finally closed and demolished in the 1980s. Around 1835 the company began specialising in the production of accurate measures for medical and pharmaceutical companies. The 'York measure' was established around this time.......and as early as 1840 a catalogue describes some highly decorated glass jars with royal arms and fine gold enamel lettering, done by superior London artists.
This substantial decorative piece would make quite the statement in any setting.
