PB Venice. Theriac Capsule Seal (c. AD 17th century)
Cylindrical theriac container. Separate lid inscribed with the words “THERIACA FINA AL STRUZZO DORO V”. On the lid, Radiant ostrich standing left; snake in left field.
Theriac was a thick syrupy liquid medicine (known as an electuary) made from as many as 64 different ingredients. Variations appeared over the centuries in different cultures and it was used as a cure for a number of illnesses until the end of the 1700s. The ingredients were often strange and exotic. For example, in some recipes the flesh of snakes was essential.
A rare piece that has survived to the present day with its box and cover intact.
Cf. U. Klein. "Von Paradies zu Paradies: Theriak und Theriak-Kapseln," SM 218 (June 2005), 38-41.
Weight: 33.24 g.
Diameter: 30.74 mm.