Pipe case; Netherlands, first half of the 18th century.

Pipe case; Netherlands, first half of the eighteenth century.
Carved and polychrome walnut wood, brass and glass eyes.
Measurements: 28,5 x 3,5 x 3 cm.
Tobacco pipe case made of carved and polychromed walnut wood, with brass and glass appliques. The piece stands out for its figurative design, in which the artisan starts from the typology of the object and from it raises a figurative finish in the form of fish, skillfully reproducing the scales of the animal and enhancing the design through the use of polychrome.
Throughout history, tobacco has played a significant role in various cultures, not only as a consumer product, but also as a ritual, economic and social symbol. Its introduction into Europe after contact with America marked the beginning of a practice that soon spread globally, influencing everything from aristocratic customs to popular rituals. In this context, objects used for smoking, such as pipes, acquired a relevance that transcended their practical functionality.