topics

Commemorative piece

This remarkable showpiece of clay pipes was never meant to be smoked, but served as a status in the entrance hall of the most important Dutch pipe factory, the Firm P. Goedewaagen & Sons in Gouda, Holland. The piece consists of twelve pipes wrought together in the centre, each having a stem length of a meter. Around this two pipes with fantasy shapes and wrought stems are placed, while in the corners curled pipes can be seen. The pipes are mounted on wood and are framed in an impressive gilt frame decorated with leaves.

Each of the clay pipes shows the arms of the House of Hanover, once an important emblem for export pipes. In the nineteenth century, when knowledge on arms declined, the Dutch believed the decoration showed the arms of king-stadtholder William III.

This unique item was made in 1897 at the occasion of the visit of the Queen Emma with her daughter Princess Wilhelmina at Gouda. The manufacturer felt most honoured with the royal visit and a special guest book was signed with the names of the two highnesses. The book with gilt edges in red silk binding showing in gold the arms of the Netherlands stayed with the gilt framed pipes in the factory.

During the visit the queen and her young daughter saw the pipe makers moulding and wraughting these pipes. In the days thereafter they have been dried and backed. From 1897 till the 1970's this piece of art was on view in at the factory, commemorating the high visitors, first in the entrance hall, later in the boardroom. In 1976 it was acquired by the Pijpenkabinet and is now part of the exhibition, including the silk guest book and the photographs of the visit.

Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 10.831