AKB Meerschaum: Carved Dragon Claw Holding Turtle (I. Baglan) (with Case) Tobacco Pipe

This is not a pipe you see every day. While yes, the "Claw holding a _" motif is widespread within the world of meerschaum pipes, this specific composition is not. Not even close. We've received less than a handful of pieces like this before from AKB and, if I do say so myself, this underrepresented niche of turtle themed figural pipes is both adorable and stylish, and this specific example presents a very regal testudine emerging from the claws of a dragon. This display of reptilian fraternity simply warms my heart, or it would, were the lowest claw not piercing the turtle's throat, and the intricately carved details present in the turtle's shell and the dragon's skin ensure tactile and visual stimulation for a good long while.