A rare English Delft, probably London, 'pipe-smoker' wet drug jar, circa 1665, of typical ovoid shape, the ridged handle opposing a short spout, painted in blue with a label inscribed 'S: ACETOSVS SIM' (syrup of vinegar simple), both ends of the label ornamented with a head appearing to smoke a pipe, the lower middle section of the label with a 'green man' mask, raised on a spreading circular foot, height 21.5cm (minor faults). Note: similar 'pipe-smoker' labelled drug jars are illustrated by Louis L. Lipski and Michael Archer, 'Dated English Delftware', p.368, pl.1595, and p.372, pl.1612. These are each dated examples. In his book 'Delftware: The Tin-Glazed Earthenware of the British Isles', Michael Archer illustrates another drug jar with the same label, p.391, pl.K.1. Here Archer notes the heads, which appear to have pipes in their mouths, actually just have long protruding tongues. Provenance: previously in the collection of Sir Harry Jephcott, 1st Baronet, managing director of Glaxo Laboratories, thence by descent.