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Italian Apothecary Pharmacy Albarello Ceramic Table Lamp, circa 1870-1885
$2,149.01
£1,584.87
€1,800
CA$2,970.25
A$3,303.12
CHF 1,733.69
MX$40,279.92
NOK 21,910.46
SEK 20,541.93
DKK 13,703.68
About the Item
Exquisitely handcrafted by Amitābha Studio from a 19th-century Italian Renaissance revival albarello (circa 1870–1885), this one-of-a-kind table lamp preserves the spirit of Europe’s great apothecary traditions. The ceramic vessel once served as a pharmacy jar, its cartouche painted with the bearded profile of a classical physician, very likely Andromachus, and inscribed “E THER: ANDR.S”—the abbreviation for Electuarium Theriacae Andromachi Senioris, or the electuary of Andromachus’s theriac. Above the inscription appear two gilt apothecary sigla, shaped like a Greek Psi (Ψ) and Epsilon (ϵ), most likely functioning as shop or guild marks. The lamp has been paired with a bespoke drum lampshade, handcrafted in an atelier near Amsterdam from ochre dupion silk, chosen to echo the jar’s golden tones. The conversion was executed without altering or harming the antique vessel in any way.
The inscription refers to Theriaca Andromachi, a celebrated antidote first formulated in Imperial Rome by Nero’s court physician Andromachus. For centuries, theriac was regarded as a universal safeguard, prescribed both as an antidote to poison and as a treatment for plague, spasms, colic, asthma, jaundice, and other afflictions. Its formula was among the most complex in medical history, with more than sixty ingredients—including viper flesh, opium, cinnamon, agarikon, and gum arabic—bound with honey into an electuary and left to mature for years. Apothecaries considered it the pinnacle of their craft, and vessels bearing this inscription held enormous symbolic weight. Renaissance revival albarelli such as this were created in central and northern Italy during the late 19th century, consciously echoing the grandeur of earlier apothecary traditions.
Today, transformed into a lamp, the piece carries that history into modern interiors. Its scale and warm palette make it ideally suited for a library, study, or sitting room, where the ochre silk shade casts a refined glow. A great gift for a doctor, pharmacist, collector of medical history, or wunderkammer enthusiast, that embodies both the artistry of Italian ceramics and the legacy of European medicine.
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Please note: The lamp is fully wired for use in the U.S.
Additionally, the listed height includes the lampshade.
We also ensure compatibility for global use by offering a free plug customization service to match the electrical standards of your specific country.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!
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About Deruta & the Italian Renaissance Revival:
Deruta, a hill town in Umbria, has been a center of Italian ceramic excellence since the 15th century, celebrated for its luminous tin-glazed majolica and refined hand-painted motifs. During the 19th-century Renaissance Revival, Deruta’s workshops—along with those in nearby Faenza and Florence—saw a resurgence in demand for historically inspired pharmacy jars, or albarelli, echoing designs from the golden age of Italian apothecary arts. This period was marked by a deep appreciation for classical learning, medical history, and ornamental craftsmanship, as artisans reinterpreted Renaissance forms and iconography for a new generation of collectors and connoisseurs. Pieces like Theriaca embody this revivalist spirit, bridging centuries of ceramic tradition through both form and symbolism.
About Amitābha Studio:
Amitābha Studio is an Amsterdam-based design atelier dedicated to transforming historic European ceramics into one-of-a-kind lighting objects. Each lamp is crafted with deep reverence for the original form, using non-invasive methods that preserve the integrity of every antique or vintage vase. We pair these bases with bespoke lampshades—often made from luxurious textiles such as vintage sari silks or fine European fabrics—and finish each piece with carefully selected cords, fittings, and handmade brass elements. Our work is guided by a commitment to sustainability, cultural heritage, and timeless design.
- Similar to:Cantagalli (Maker)Deruta (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 16.15 in (41 cm)Diameter: 9.06 in (23 cm)
- Power Source:Plug-in
- Voltage:110-150v,208v,220-240v
- Lampshade:Included
- Style:Renaissance Revival (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1870-1885
- Condition:Reupholstered. Rewired. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor structural damages.
- Seller Location:AMSTERDAM, NL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU9818246303182
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