A wonderfully weird antique figural meerschaum pipe bowl, with face of a woman peeking out like masthead at the front, and kicked up legs in what looks rather like a tutu poking out the back. Clearly this was much smoked, which turns meerschaum (made from the mineral sepiolite) from white to a rich caramel. Further, the wear to the front of the bowl makes it look as if our woman is wearing a Covid era mask! I believe this dates to the 1st half of the 19th century, with a threaded stem extended from the bowl to which a handle was--and could again--be screwed. There are some wild 19th c. meerschaum pipe bowls out there, of which this is I think a terrific example.

3 1/2" x 2 1/8 x 1 3/8" and in very good, much used condition, with a fantastic patina.