Carved meerschaum pipe in its case, ‘Hunter & hunting dogs', 19th century.
Pipe carved from meerschaum, depicting a scene with a hunter and his hunting dogs. The entire piece is carved in relief, highlighting the details of the animal and human figures. The mouthpiece is made of amber, and the pipe is preserved in its original sheathed case.
Meerschaum pipes, prized in the 19th century for their lightness and fine carving, were often decorated with figurative or narrative scenes. Hunting themes (dogs, hunters, horses, wild animals) were particularly popular, reflecting the decorative tastes of the time.
Meerschaum (which literally means ‘sea foam' in German) is not foam but a natural mineral:
Its real name is sepiolite.
It is a white, light and porous clay, composed mainly of hydrated magnesium silicate.
It is found mainly in Turkey (in the Eskişehir region, which has the finest deposits), but also in Greece, Spain and North Africa.
Why is it used for pipes?
Very light: therefore comfortable to hold and smoke.
Porous: it absorbs nicotine and tar, giving a smoother smoke.
Heat resistant: it does not burn easily.
Easy to carve: as it is soft in its raw state, craftsmen were able to create very detailed decorations (human figures, animals, hunting scenes, etc.).
Natural patina: with use, meerschaum gradually changes colour, going from ivory white to honey yellow, then to orange-brown. This change was highly sought after in the 19th century.
- Period:19th century.
- Dimensions (H x W x D):8cm x 19cm x 2cm..
- Weight:0,3 Kg.
- Condition:Excellent.
- Style:Other style / Realism.
- Material:Mineral / Stone / Stone Other / Wood / Mahogany.
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Price:SOLD