I find this late 19th century pipe bowl such a beautiful thing, all the better for being freed from the pipe stem, such that it can be displayed with this beautiful hand draping over top of the bowl. It was quite finely carved of the mineral sepiolite, also known as Meerschaum, which was prized as the perfect material for making pipes as it provided a cool, dry, flavorful smoke. Meerschaum is white to begin with, and from what I understand its color comes from age and use, in this a gorgeous range of ambers, darkest at the cuff. Super lovely.
Approx 3" l X 2 1/2" t x 2" w and in excellent antique condition; gorgeous patina but no chips, cracks or other issues whatsoever that I can see.