Stummel with floral initial

February 2015

This pipe bowl is made in the famous Meissen porcelain factory. As a proof of origin two crossed sabers have been painted inside of the pipe bowl. Such an underglaze mark is an exception for porcelain pipes; most pipe bowls are unmarked. The front side of the bowl shows a hand-painted initial in multicolour, consisting of blooming flowers and leaves. To give the object extra cachet, a surrounding branch with gold leaf foliage is provided, while even the heel shows gold leaf. Decorated initials are of all times, although such letters experienced a renewed interest in the 1820s and 1830s. The pipe bowl in question dates from that time. For us, this painting looks sweet rather than masculine, but apparently the Biedermeier smoker had a different view. The painting of such an initial was done to order. It is a pity that we do not know whether it was the lover of the smoker who gave this order, but that would be most appropriate. Another characteristic of this item is the chic mounting, consisting of a gilded cast bronze hinged cover. A deepened circle with four oak leaves ornates the center of the top.

Amsterdam Pipe Museum APM 21.996

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