This is a pipe with sea foam and amber wick from the Netherlands. The pipe is hand-decorated in a floral theme with a nut protruding from the shell, on a mineral (hydrating magnesium silicate) mined near Eskisehir in Turkey. Magnesium silicate is one of the most porous substances in nature and is called meerschaum (sea foam) in German. The meerschaum pipe tradition has been widespread in Austria and Germany since at least the 19th century, but meerschaum pipe production is still flourishing in Turkey, especially for decorative purposes. Pipes are hand-carved by experienced craftsmen to depict human heads, animals and other figures, usually with a high level of workmanship. We don't know when this pipe was made, the collector, of Dutch origin, assured us that the pipe is over 80 years old. The pipe is approximately 14 in length. It retains its original wooden box, wrapped in leather.
Tags: Holland-pipe