A CASED MEERSCHAUM PIPE WITH A TURKISH PASHA'S HEAD
Possibly Vienna, Austria, late 19th century
Of typical shape, made of sepiolite and carved into the shape of a bearded Turkish Pasha, wearing a fez hat with long tassel, with a screwed-in amber coloured mouthpiece, in a leather case lined in red silk and cream silk velvet, 20cm long excluding the case.
Meerschaum pipes embody the flourishing mercantile and artistic exchanges occurring between the Ottoman Empire and the West throughout the 19th century. The material they are made of, called sepiolite or Meerschaum in German (sea foam), was often found floating in the Black Sea, where it was fished by Turkish fisherman. Dried and roughly carved Turkish Meerschaum products would then enter the mercantile routes towards Europe and often end in manufacturing centres of renowned fame, such as Vienna. Sadly, the Austrian production terminated in the 1970s, when Turkey banned the exportation of Meerschaum nodules, trying to set up and foster an exclusive localised industry. The once famous manufacturers have since disappeared and European pipe producers turned to other sources for their pipes.
Sold for £138
Includes Buyer's Premium
Do you have an item similar to the item above? If so please click the link below to submit a free online valuation request through our website.