Meerschaum Pipe DesignsOne of the most striking thing about meerschaum pipes that I noticed while researching for an article on the subject was that there seems to be an infinite and continuously evolving array of designs. Although meerschaum has been used to carve tobacco pipes for more than 300 years, there seems to be no [...]
Published on March 24, 2009
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Meerschaum Pipe Designs
One of the most striking thing about meerschaum pipes that I noticed while researching for an article on the subject was that there seems to be an infinite and continuously evolving array of designs. Although meerschaum has been used to carve tobacco pipes for more than 300 years, there seems to be no traditional limitations when it comes to the designs that the pipes are carved into.
This shows that meerschaum pipe carving is still a living tradition that is morphing and changing with the times, that is still nearly as open to change and adaption as the day the first pipe was carved from this white stone. But I also fear that this large expanse of adaptability may be the final gurgling efforts of a dying art trying to stay afloat. Perhaps widening the array of designs is a last ditch attempt to make meerschaum pipes a little more sought after in world where most people seem far too busy to sit down, smoke, and enjoy a beautifully carved tobacco pipe.
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Wade from Vagabond Journey.com
in Sanliurfa, Turkey- March 23, 2009
Travelogue —Travel Photos –Travel Guide
Click on map to view route of travel.
Photos of meerschaum pipes
Meerschaum pipes by Huseyin Akdolu.
Meerschaum pipe designs on display at the Meerschaum museum in Eskisehir, Turkey.
Half finished meerschaum pipe of a floral design. This pipe still needs to be drilled and finished.
Sultan head designs in Burhan Yucel’s meerschaum pipe showroom in Eskisehir.
Sultan head meerschaum pipe design and a beaded necklace.
A medicine box carved from Meerschaum shown by master carver, Mehmet Ucak, in Burhan Yucel’s showroom.
A feminine hand and flower meerschaum pipe design.
An eagle head meerschaum pipe design.
A dragon carved into a meerschaum pipe.
Another dragon carved into a meerschaum pipe in one of Burhan Yucel’s workshops in Eskisehir, Turkey.
Eskisehir meerschaum pipe story
Meerschaum pipe history
Meerschaum pipe history
Making meerschaum pipes
Meerschaum Pipe Designs
About the Author: VBJ
I am the founder and editor of Vagabond Journey. I’ve been traveling the world since 1999, through 90 countries. I am the author of the book, Ghost Cities of China and have written for The Guardian, Forbes, Bloomberg, The Diplomat, the South China Morning Post, and other publications. VBJ has written 3682 posts on Vagabond Journey. Contact the author.
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7 comments… add one
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January 30, 2011, 6:21 pm
LinkI found some pipes with intricate carvings on our estate in Trinidad in the West Indies. They are possibly from English settlements in the very early 1900s. There is also a Holloway medical jar from 1933? \I have photos and would appreciate getting some feedback.
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January 31, 2011, 12:35 am
LinkI have no idea about any of these items, sorry about that. This entry is just on Meerschaum pipes in Turkey.
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March 11, 2012, 6:22 pm
LinkHello Wade;
I had bought a lovely meerschaum pipe from a local tobacco shop in London.The pipe smokes extremely good and the shape is also awesome. It has colored so beautifully.I showed it to a meerschaum expert friend of mine and he told me that the block meerschaum that the pipe was carved out of was very high quality therefore the absorbation quality of that meerschaum pipe was perfect.
When I asked the shop owner which brand that meerschaum pipe was he told me that it came from eskisehir turkey from an exporter called Storient.
Now I want to find this Storient company’s contact details.
Since you have been there, could you help me with that ?Andrew Kahrs
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Link
Sorry, I don’t have this contact information.
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April 30, 2012, 8:31 am
Link@Andrew
I am kinda familiar with storient meerschaum pipes.I order their meerschaum pipes from http://www.meerschaumpipe.us . You can contact them if you want custom meerschaum pipes at : http://www.blockmeerschaumpipe.com .I think the second one is an informative web site but you c an find all their emails and contact info there
I think meerschaum pipes are great but as useful as briars
Hope that info helpsDirk
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January 22, 2014, 4:06 pm
LinkMy father was in Turkey in 85, passed in 97. I have a briefcase he had bought while there containing 8 pipes. Paperwork reads as follows: Akdolu Presents Pipe Dreams. Bottom of paper reads: Incirlik Road No. 183 Incirlik-Adana/Turkey.
Anybody know the value of these pipes?-
Link
Probably not much unless they are antique. They are not necessarily rare.
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