Gouda pottery pipe stand

February 2012

At the interface of the traditional moulded clay pipe and the cast pottery in plaster moulds, newly invented in Gouda in the 1920’s, a new product was created: the racks and stands for miniature pipes. So a connection was made between the old, traditional clay pipe and the modern product, the glazed and colourful Gouda pottery. Wall racks of such designs become extremely popular, while the stand, such as the one shown here, is quickly disappearing from the market. Not surprising, because the racks hang undisturbed on the wall, while the stands are free, easily knocked over, resulting in broken pipes. Even when just dusting the risk of breakage is there. The specimen shown here is such a rare stand, only 7.5 cm. in height. It is produced in Gouda matt pottery with a subtle Art Nouveau painting of delicate lines and a a kind of bird of paradise as the main motif. Pay particular attention to the fillet on the dish, where quite unexpectedly some zigzags have been made in the continuous line, characteristics of Art Nouveau. On the bottom the object is marked with an intaglio shape number, while the factory name "IVORA GOUDA" is painted in brown letters.

Amsterdam Pipe Museum APM 20.909

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