Turkish Estates: Unknnown Meerschaum Carved Dragon (with Case) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, meerschaum was one of the most popular materials for carving pipes, predating briar by more than a century. Prized for its flavor-neutral smoking properties and unique ability to darken with patina while smoked, meerschaum is also immune to "ghosting" — absorbing a specific tobacco's flavor — making it idea for sampling a variety of different blends. More scientifically known as sepiolite, its common name comes from the German word for "sea foam," and is a reference to the naturally pale white coloration of the material. Its relative ease of carving while moist allows for the rendering of highly figural, sculptural pipes that are rich with detail, such as this dragon from an unknown carver. The dragon leans against a forward canting, Egg-like bowl that features a supple flare to a mid-set waistline, all of its surfaces carved with intricately detailed accents and linework.