Description:
A distinctive vintage hand-carved wooden character pipe featuring a smiling, swollen-cheeked face forming the bowl. The carving showcases exaggerated facial features, raised brows, deep-set eyes, and expressive contours typical of mid-century folk-art export pipes. The long stem is made from dark-stained hardwood and decorated with etched floral motifs, giving the piece a refined, elegant profile.
Likely produced between the 1950s–1970s, these figural pipes were made across Central Europe and Asia as both functional smoking tools and traveller souvenirs. This example has a strong display presence with its bold facial carving and sculptural form.
 
Features:
• Era: 1950s–1970s
• Origin: Central / Eastern European or Asian folk-art workshop
• Length: approx. 25 cm
• Hand-carved figural bowl with expressive facial features
• Etched decorative stem with floral / foliate motif
• Collectible display pipe (not tested for use)
 
Construction / Materials:
• Bowl: carved hardwood, stained and hand-finished
• Stem: dark-stained hardwood with engraved detailing
 
Condition:
Well-kept vintage condition with expected age wear. Carved surfaces show natural patina and handling marks. One eye socket retains red pigment; the other shows wear. Interior of the bowl shows some residue from past use. Structurally sound and displays strongly.
 
Type:
Decorative carved-wood character pipe / folk-art collectible
 
A charismatic mid-century figural pipe that stands out beautifully in any collection of carved pipes, folk art, or vintage character pieces.