Dutch pipe holder from the end of the 18th century, handmade from precious wood

Dutch pipe holder from the late 18th century, handcrafted from valuable jacaranda wood, carved and engraved with geometric motifs, beautifully decorated with inserts made from engraved brass sheets in sequence. The stove casing, somewhat resembling a Dutch clog, is attached on one side with hinges and secured with a brass screw. In fact, judging by the shape of the casing, it is assumed that it originally housed a white clay Gouda pipe.

In 1600, Christians from Great Britain, to avoid persecution by James I, sought refuge in the Netherlands. Pipe artisans settled in Gouda, where, thanks to the presence of very fine white clay characteristic of the ceramic mixture, these clay pipes were produced—distinctive for their length, known as plaster pipes, mainly smoked by female aristocracy. Due to the fragility of the material, valuable boxes, works of art, and custom-made artifacts were created for these pipes, which became true symbols of status for the noblewomen of that era.

On the strap, the engraving; Auguste Montaigu on one side and A Sailly on the other, refer to the owner Auguste Gabriel de Montaigu (1780-1846). Aside from minor foil flaws consistent with the dating, this vintage smoking accessory is in good condition.

Elegant antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts for high-quality vintage products that possess a specific character and soul. It is a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture belongs to the 19th century, during which the Biedermeier style was dominant. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Everything was influenced by Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a style with strong references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The next style is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively used to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is often designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. An important style is also Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture craftsmanship. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and solid, often using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and broadly speaking, chest furniture. They also reflected an interest in mythology and antiquity, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

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