Turkish Estates: Unknown Meerschaum Carved Wizard (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 wizard from an unknown carver. A wizened necromancer accompanied by a skull-topped staff, this wizard looks to be in the midst of channeling his powers, perhaps summoning a legion of the dead or preparing himself to be reborn as a lich. The bowl here sits on a flat heel and allows this pipe to be displayed as a piece of sculpture, the lengthy, intricately carved shank lifting out at the aft and fitted with a ruby acrylic stem.