Description
This is an intricately carved tobacco pipe made from Meerschaum. Likely Turkish in origin, this pipe's bowl is carved in the shape of a snarling lion. The bowl transitions to a yellow acrylic stem which is expertly threaded onto the shank. Sits nicely on a flat surface, too!
The pipe you see is the pipe you get. This pipe came to us from a private collection, and where necessary, has been expertly restored by a local craftsman. This pipe was previously smoked but has been completely and professionally reconditioned and sanitized. Because it has been pre-owned, the price is drastically reduced compared to what this pipe would cost new (assuming that you could even find it). We stand behind these pipes; if you ever have an issue, return it to us for repair or refund.
Tobacco pipe stands used in the pictures are for photography purposes only and are not included.
| Bowl Height (Outside) | 2.08” / 53mm |
| Bowl Width (Outside) | 1.82” / 46mm |
| Pipe Length | 6.75” / 171mm |
| Chamber Depth | 1.42” / 36mm |
| Chamber Diameter | .81" / 21mm |
| Pipe Weight | 67g |
| Pipe Shape | Lion |
| Stem Shape | Quarter Bent |
| Filter | No |
| Shape Number | N/A |
| Bowl Material | Meerschaum |
| Stem Material | Acrylic |
| Finish | Carved |
| Country | Türkiye |
About Meerschaum Pipes
Meerschaum pipes hold a special place in the world of pipe smoking, prized for both their smoking qualities and their artistic potential. The word meerschaum comes from the German “Meer Schaum,” meaning “sea foam,” a reference to the mineral’s light weight and pale color. In reality, meerschaum is a soft white clay mineral called sepiolite, found most famously in Turkey, where the finest material has been mined for centuries.
What sets meerschaum apart from briar—the most common pipe material—is its unique porosity. Sepiolite contains countless microscopic air pockets, allowing the pipe to absorb moisture, tars, and nicotine during smoking. This results in an exceptionally cool, dry smoke with very little flavor interference from the pipe itself. Many smokers consider meerschaum the purest way to experience the true taste of a tobacco blend, making it ideal for sampling new mixtures.
Another hallmark of meerschaum pipes is their dramatic color transformation over time. A new pipe typically starts bright white or cream-colored. As it is smoked, the absorbed oils and resins gradually darken the material, developing rich shades of gold, amber, orange, and even deep brown. This colouring process is highly prized, with evenly coloured pipes often seen as a mark of long use and careful handling.
Meerschaum is also renowned for its carving potential. Softer than briar when first mined, it can be shaped into incredibly detailed designs. Traditional motifs include sultans, warriors, mythological figures, animals, and elaborate latticework. These pipes are often true works of art, blending craftsmanship with function. After carving, the pipe is dried and hardened, making it durable but still more fragile than wood.
Care for a meerschaum pipe differs from briar. It should not be tapped against hard surfaces, as the material can crack. Many are fitted with screw-in tenons and are often stored in fitted cases for protection. With proper handling, a meerschaum pipe can last generations, growing more beautiful with age.
Combining history, artistry, and exceptional smoking performance, meerschaum pipes remain one of the most distinctive and admired traditions in pipe making.
