| Description
| Leech Jar.
Cylindrical ceramic jar with pierced/ventilated lid for the storage of leeches. Blue & white decoration with cartouche on front containing the word "Leeches". Remains of handle on either side however both are missing having been broken off. Surface (inside & out) is considerably crazed. Damage to top edge beneath lid: small potion missing front & back)
Small blue L only on underside with no further visible markings.
This jar is believed to have belonged to the Hunter brothers (John Hunter was a Surgeon/obstetrician and William Hunter was an Anatomist) who were born in East Kilbride.
Leech jars more commonly had a bulbous body on a pedestal base, rather than being straight-sided, like this version. The design of this jar includes decorative ventilation holes in the lid, which would allow the leeches to breathe. Although a functional piece of equipment, it is also a highly decorative piece of ceramic ware.
The use of leeches in medicine dates back to Egyptian times. Leeches were used to treat numerous conditions, from toothache to tuberculosis. As the medical use of leeches decreased, such jars became much more collectible. However, leeches are successfully used today in restoring circulation to skin grafts, and in other areas of reconstructive surgery. |
