Clay tobacco pipe

Clay tobacco pipe, dated from the 17th-18th century

Global Characteristics

Title:

Clay tobacco pipe

Place of discovery:

Saint-Georges-sur-l'Aa, Hauts-de-France, France

Date:

Modern Era (17th-18th century)

Dimensions:

21cm width

Materials:

Clay

Description

The clay tobacco pipe industry emerged in England in the late 16th century. In France, production centers were established notably in Dieppe and Dunkirk.

Dunkirk, the main center of production in France, prospered through the tobacco trade, which was facilitated by its free-port status.

During this era, tobacco was first used for medicinal purposes. Pipe smoking was mainly associated with soldiers, sailors, and the lower classes before spreading more broadly across society.

This white clay tobacco pipe is decorated with four fleurs-de-lis and bears the stamped initials "TP".

Although its workshop remains unknown, it may have been produced in Dunkirk, where some pipes were decorated with royal arms or fleurs-de-lis.