Slavic collection published
30 June 2026
The National Museum of Slovenia is currently cataloguing various sub-collections. This process has resulted in an exhibition featuring all the tobacco-related objects in their possession, ranging from archaeological pipes to historical ashtrays, lighters and more. One of our contacts visited the exhibition and brought back the accompanying catalogue. It is a beautifully produced, hardbound volume, richly illustrated and featuring text in both Slovenian and English. Unfortunately, the collection itself turns out to be rather primarily dating from the twentieth century. The book offers little insight into local smoking traditions over a longer historial period.
PermalinkTobacco box with the Conqueror of Cities
19 June 2026
A special acquisition is the tobacco box pictured here, featuring a bust of Stadtholder Frederik Hendrik of Orange on the top. An inconspicuous detail is the minuscule date “1634” along the left edge of the oval. It appears that such boxes were commissioned by the Stadtholder to present to his officers, naturally to the greater honour and glory of himself. This object remained preserved for a long time in the estate of an American antiquarian. This month, the object was transferred to our collection and forms a fine addition to other tobacco boxes featuring Stadtholder imagery.
PermalinkExtremes in bag shapes
15 June 2026
During the summer months, our central display case features about ten bag-shaped meerschaum pipe bowls. Together with our visitors, we examine the shapes of these intriguing - albeit rather chunky - pipes. The name derives from the tobacco pouches that once shared this form, though it is hardly a flattering label. What new, fitting name can be devised for these pipe models? Join the conversation and inspire us with new names that are both apt and appropriate. On view until September 12, 2026.
PermalinkFinal touches on the handbook
12 June 2026
We are working on the final details of the handbook - specifically, visualizing the diagrams that accompany the deductive identification scheme. It is a challenging task; while AI can be helpful, it does not yield results suitable for print. Consequently, it involves grappling with the capabilities of Excel and InDesign until clear diagrams emerge. Progress is slow but steady.
PermalinkTrouvailles from the director’s strolls
5 June 2026
In the Museo Mallorca, in Palma de Mallorca, our director noticed this painting by Joan Bauzà Mas, a local painter known for his genre and historical scenes. This Mediterranean fisherman is smoking a pipe that is barely visible. It may well have been a simple, homemade pipe, perhaps fashioned from an ordinary piece of wood. Our museum collection doesn’t have a pipe quite this simple. How can you expect such a humble object to survive. Nice that it has been painted.
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