German (c. 1890-1910)
Carnival pipe
Man suckling from a Wine Barrel
‘High the noble vine’
hand-painted porcelain, cherry wood, cork
4 3/8” long x 4 3/8” wide x 2” deep
Notes: A man with a mustache and bowler hat emerges from a branching vine to suckle from the spigot of a wine barrel, the wind cap surmounted by a miniature bear*, in this novel figural porcelain pipe, Germany, c. 1860-1920.
Markings: “Hoch der edle Rebensaft” [Literally: High the noble Grape Juice; better translated as ‘High the noble vine.’]
Condition: Very Good
For Accuracy: an antique pipe it may show expected light signs of age and use related wear. There is some corrosion on the metal fitting otherwise the paint and execution are very nice. The stem fits snug with a slight nibble at the tip.
Reference: Amsterdam Pipe Museum, APM 121a & APM 121b; APM 121a is comparable to this example the man wearing a blue jacket and the the painting not as fine, though sporting the same saying on the barrel label. It was exhibited three times: • Vienna, Österreichisches Tabakmuseum, exhibition “Die 2000 Jährige Geschichte der Tonpfeifen”, June 23, 1994 – September 10, 1994. • Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet, permanent presentation, room, showcase 7, 2001-2004. • Arnhem, Open Air Museum, pipe collection in pavilion Sparenburg, September 2004 – January 2015.
*This may be a monkey, a bear is more German specific however a monkey is more apropos to the theme of revelry. A cat is another option we’ve seen floated around for this pipe style; all options are fitting and, regardless of exactitude, adorable.
