Pijpsleutel

About this artwork

Bruikleen van het Koninklijk Oudheidkundig Genootschap

Art Historical Context

### Pijpsleutel (ca. 1700–1750) This compact iron *pijpsleutel*, or pipe key, dating to around 1700–1750, is a humble yet fascinating artifact from everyday life in early modern Europe. Measuring just 7.6 cm long and 3.4 cm wide, it served as a practical tool for cleaning the stems of clay tobacco pipes, which were ubiquitous during the height of pipe-smoking culture. Forged from sturdy iron, its simple, functional design reflects the utilitarian craftsmanship of the period, likely produced in the Netherlands or a neighboring region where tobacco use exploded after its introduction from the A...