jar, leech

Ceramic

Historical Society of Carroll County, Maryland

Name/Title

jar, leech

Description

Jar, leech. Ceramic jar with hand-panted black and grey floral filigree design and black print text reading "LEECHES". Small black and white handles added onto upper right and left sides of jar. Lid has wide lip, small evenly spaced holes and a black knob on top for handling. 7" W x 10" H. Made in Italy, c. 2025.

Context

This reproduction leech jar is modeled after those used by 19th-century doctors to store live leeches, which were used for bleeding patients. A doctor's supply of medicinal leeches required surprisingly careful care. These ceramic jars featured air holes in the lid and a wide lip to discourage escape, while the water inside had to be changed regularly to keep the leeches alive until they were needed.

Acquisition

Source (if not Accessioned)

Artistica - Deruta of Italy

Notes

Purchased February 2026 for Main Street at Work Exhibit

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Artistica - Deruta of Italy

Exhibition

Main Street at Work: Merchants and Medicine in Carroll County