Comf Ninphe
National Museum of American History

Comf Ninphe

18th century

ceramic (overall material)
National Museum of American History
CC0 — Public Domain
National Museum of American History

This baluster–shaped drug jar has a scalloped foot and a round, flat lid. The foot has a scalloped rim and a vine of tiny flowers and leaves. The handle of the lid is an applied leaf and round orange berry. The container has a white glazed background with two rings of blue, orange, and yellow stylized flowers. One ring is at the top of the container and the other is at the bottom. Within the two rings of flowers is the text “Comf Ninphe.” Ninphea (nymphaea) refers to the water lily, whose roots were used as an astringent and a narcotic.

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