Pipes

The culture of pipe smoking spread from England in the 16th century, after tobacco had been brought to Europe from America. From the very start and to this very day people preferred to smoke tobacco in wooden pipes; the wood of the white heath root turned out to be the most suitable one. Pipes were made also of clay, porcelain, metal and meerschaum. The latter was valued the most, because in it tobacco developed the most pleasant body and aroma. It is a white and porous rock that can be fashioned beautifully, which is why some pipes are artistically carved and present genuine small, stone works of art. The pipes on display are incomplete; the mouthpieces are missing, because they wear out quickly.

Also skilfully made are the mouthpieces for cigars and cigarettes, made of amber, wood, bone, meerschaum or metal.