Dr. J. Hostetter’s Stomach Bitters Ceramic Sculpture by Rurik Leif Kallis

This handmade ceramic sculpture by Rurik Leif Kallis playfully honors the 19th-century legacy of Dr. J. Hostetter’s Stomach Bitters—a Civil War-era patent medicine known for its 94-proof potency and bold claims.

Combining slab-built construction, wheel-thrown detailing, and hand-carved lettering, Kallis transforms the iconic bitters bottle into a folk-art figure—likely modeled after David Hostetter himself, complete with attached ceramic beard and expressive glaze. The front features bold embossed-style text; the back includes a sculpted Hostetter’s label with St. George slaying the dragon—a fitting metaphor for a product that once promised to cure everything from malaria to indigestion.

Rich brown glaze evokes the earthy tinctures of the era, while the unglazed face adds depth and character. A standout piece for collectors of Americana, folk art, ceramics, or medical ephemera.

Specifications:

Artist: Rurik Leif Kallis
Title: Dr. J. Hostetter’s Stomach Bitters Sculpture
Medium: Handmade ceramic – slab-built and wheel-thrown
Details: Carved lettering, applied beard, relief scene of St. George and the dragon
Color: Brown glaze with unglazed facial accents
Era: Vintage, likely mid–late 20th century
Dimensions: 28.5" H × 11" W × 7.5" D
Condition: Excellent vintage condition
Origin: USA

A bold, sculptural tribute to folk medicine and bottle lore—ready to charm, educate, and spark conversation.