Antiques M.S. Rau | Figural Meerschaum Pipe

This Giant Pipe Features A Meerschaum Bowl Skillfully Carved Into The Intricate Likeness Of An African Woman. Executed With Meticulous Precision, The Carved Meerschaum Bowl Reveals Lifelike Facial Contours, Coiffed Hair And The Presence Of Distinctive Silver Earrings Formed Of Fine Silver. Exceptionally Large In Size, This Rare Pipe Is Completed With Its Attractive Amber Stem.

Meerschaum, Meaning “Sea Foam” In German, Is A Rare Mineral That Was Mined Only In Turkey. It Was Particularly Suited To These Elaborately Carved Austrian Pipes. As The Pipe Is Smoked, The Light And Porous Mineral Changes Color To Give The Pipe Its Characteristic Golden And Amber Hues. In Fact, The Artists Who Created Such Masterpieces As This Would Often Hire Young Boys To Smoke The Pipe Until The Optimal Patina Was Achieved. This Particular Example, With Its Exquisite Detailing, Is Very Ornate And Quite A Rarity.

Circa 1900

5 1/4“ High X 3” Wide X 13 1/4“ Deep