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Vintage Hand-Carved Demon Face Pipe, 31cm, Soviet Prison Art, Mixed Resin & W
★★★★★ 5.0 shop rating on Google · 131 Etsy salesAbout this piece
- One of a kind. Found by Aaron. No two are ever exactly the same.
- Photographed as it is, marks and all. 10 photos.
- Insured and tracked with Australia Post, to anywhere in the world. Free anywhere in Victoria.
- 30 days to change your mind. Full refund, you cover the return postage.
- Gives back. 5% of this sale goes to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.
Item details
| Category | Soviet Posters & Curiosities |
| How many | 1. One of a kind |
| Ships from | Preston, Melbourne |
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About this piece
Vintage Hand-Carved Demon Face Pipe, 31cm, Soviet Prison Art, Mixed Resin & Wood
Description: A striking vintage mixed-material character pipe featuring a carved demon/ogre face forming the bowl. The design includes exaggerated features such as raised brows, wide eyes, carved teeth, and a protruding red tongue, giving the piece a dramatic and slightly macabre visual presence.
This pipe is representative of USSR prisoner-made craft, produced circa the 1960s to 1970s within correctional workshop settings. Large-scale figural pipes of this type often emphasised bold caricature, expressive faces, and theatrical detailing, combining hand-carved wooden bowls with colourful resin and acrylic stem components. Today, such examples are collected primarily for their sculptural impact and Cold War historical context.
The mid-section of the stem is constructed from stacked acrylic/resin bands in cream, amber, green, and clear tones, while the upper stem features a twisted resin form, a combination typical of mid-20th-century novelty-style pipes and highly effective for display.
Features: • Era: c. 1960s to 1970s • Origin: USSR (Soviet Union), prisoner-made craft • Length: approx. 31 cm • Demon/ogre face figural bowl with carved beard and brows • Inset green resin eyes, red resin tongue, faux carved teeth • Multi-band acrylic/resin stem section with clear inset window • Twisted resin upper stem • Collectible display pipe (not tested for use)
Construction / Materials: • Bowl: carved hardwood with hand-tooled facial details • Eyes / tongue / teeth: resin and acrylic components • Stem: layered acrylic/resin laminate with sculpted resin extension • Finish: aged wood with natural patina; polished resin surfaces
Condition: Good vintage condition with expected wear for age. Small chips, marks, and handling wear present around the face and stem. Resin sections show light scuffing. Not tested for smoking use, offered as a decorative collector’s piece.
Type: Decorative character pipe / mid-century prison art carving
A bold and expressive Soviet prison art demon-face pipe, a large, visually impactful example of 1970s USSR prisoner-made craftsmanship, ideal for collectors of character pipes, outsider folk art, or Cold War-era curios.
Warm regards, Aaron
What buyers say about the shop
Amazing rugs, dealing with Aaron was a delight. He is always quick to respond and more than accommodating with order changes. These rugs are much better than the photos show.
Had some troubles with the state of the world and shipping but they got it figured out and handled everything with the utmost professionalism and care, excellent folks.
Had some issues with postage, but the seller was great with keeping me updated and rectified the issue quickly. Has some excellent items, 10/10 would recommend.
Questions, answered
Is this the real thing?
Yes. Aaron picks every piece himself and photographs it as it is. Ask him anything about it.
Can I see more photos or a video?
Text Aaron on 0480 551 167 and he’ll send whatever you need.
How much is shipping outside Victoria?
Free in Victoria. Elsewhere in Australia it’s $15, $20 or $30 depending on size, and overseas $40, $60 or $85. Express is $15 more. Everything is insured and tracked. Outside Australia, any import tax is paid by the buyer.
Can I see it in person?
Yes. The shop is at 221 Gilbert Rd, Preston, open Thursday to Sunday, 10:30am to 6:30pm. Text Aaron first if you want this one put aside.
What if it doesn’t suit?
Send it back within 30 days for a full refund. You cover the return postage.
