Recent

Ahhhh apothecary.....jars, that is

The Raspberry Umbrella.... 1 comment
Once upon a time, before little recyclable orange plastic
containers existed, a pharmacist would deliver your cold serum in a glass bottle labeled with ingredients that would probably make the modern world laugh, or worse, cringe. Around a century and half ago, in addition to small bottles, larger apothecary jars were used as storage like they are today, though the concept of sterilization on the tools they enclosed was nearly non- existent.
Fortunately, times have changed, but the concept of apothecary jars for storage has resurfaced in the form of decorative purposes. Jars in all sizes and often intriguing shapes have given us an impressive way of displaying everything from boring cotton balls on the bathroom vanity to lemonade in pretty jar-dispensers.

If you shop in high-end antique boutiques you'll find a variety of these jars, usually collectibles, sometimes over a hundred years old. The smaller jars are perfect for simple decoration but these authentic accessories come with a hefty price tag. Plan to spend nothing short of $80 in boutiques for a pale pink 4'' tall medicine jar that ranges 90 years in age. If you can stand rummaging through item-stuffed, musty antique shops or estate sales you may find an array of dirty jars for smaller prices. Washing the dirt is possibly worth the extra step. The value may be just as exceptional and your wallet won't take the generous hit.
Finding replicas of the age old jars can add just as much inspirational design to your space as the actual antiques. After all, sometimes it's hard to justify spending $60 bucks on a tiny piece of glass. There is an extensive inventory of replica's as well as originals on EBay. The pictured above left set of three French stenciled jars are actual jars from the early 19oo's found on EBay. I found a beautiful antique monogrammed replicated jar at Hobby Lobby (pictured right) for $9.99.
Larger Apothecary jars serve many "hard to store and display" purposes. Bathrooms are an easy way fill glass jars full of Q-tips, bath sponges or bath salts. (top-pictured set of four monogramed jars- Potterybarn.com). Try filling a tall jar with multi-colored glycerin soaps for a bright burst of color in a neutral setting or break away from clear glass jars and try a collection of colorful ones. (Pictured multi-colored set currently available on EBay).

Jars full of lemons in the kitchen may be a current trend slightly overdone. However, if you have control over your sweet tooth or inquisitive children, try filling a series of different sized clear jars with peppermint sticks, orange slices and lemon drops! My favorite jar display is an "apothecary jar" drink dispenser; quite possibly the most elegant way to allow guests at a luncheon or soiree to serve themselves!
The possibilities are endless with these jars. While I'm glad we're used to purchasing our headache medicine in disclaimer plastered-plastic bottles, I'm grateful we can use pieces of history to bring inspired style into today's often over-medicated world.

1 comment :

  1. JessSeptember 3, 2009 at 10:18 AM

    This has nothing to do with the wonderful apothecary jars you wrote about (which is an absolutely fantastic article!), but i don't have your email and i immediately thought of you and your Raspberry Umbrella: http://blah-to-tada.blogspot.com/2009/09/little-icy-umbrellas.html

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments ( Atom )