A pair of Italian maiolica wet drug pharmaceutical apothecary syrup jars, Deruta, mid 16th century, the tapered bodies with slightly spreading circular feet, both applied with a broad strap handle, the straight spouts painted with a figure of Santa Lucia (Saint Lucy), against a yellow ground framed by a foliate wreath centred with a horizontal scroll inscribed 'Syd Agresta' (a syrup of unripe grapes) and 'Syd Papavero' (a syrup made with poppy seeds), above an 'S.L' monogram, the feet and neck rims outlined in blue, height 24cm, indistinct incised marks to bases (faults). Note: The 'S.L' monogram on each of the jars beneath the inscribed scrolls probably stands for Santa Lucia (Saint Lucy), and likely denotes these particular jars were connected to or commissioned by a monastery dedicated to her. She is depicted on the spout of each jar holding a bowl which contains two eyes, as folklore claims she either removed her eyes herself to deter suitors, as she had consecrated her virginity to God, or had them gouged out by torture. For this reason she is the patron saint of the blind. Provenance: Previously in the collection of Sir Harry Jephcott, 1st Baronet, managing director of Glaxo Laboratories, thence by descent.