Bekler Confucius Limited Edition Meerschaum Pipe

Bekler Confucius Limited Edition Meerschaum Pipe - This limited-edition meerschaum pipe is a true collector’s treasure, exquisitely hand-carved to honor the wisdom and legacy of Confucius, one of history’s most revered philosophers. Hand-carved by the renowned artisan I. Bekler, this particular piece is No. 17 of only 50 ever made, a fact proudly inscribed on the underside of the pipe, making it a rare and valuable acquisition for any serious collector. The pipe’s bowl features a remarkable portrait of Confucius, his serene expression rendered in smooth, white meerschaum with incredible attention to detail. His long, flowing beard and contemplative gaze are framed by a smooth, sweeping robe that forms the crown of the pipe bowl. The sculptural flow of the design gives the pipe both a dramatic silhouette and a harmonious balance, making it as visually captivating as it is meaningful.

The originality and craftsmanship of the piece are further highlighted by the carved signature of I. Bekler and CAO along the side of the shank. The pearlescent brown-colored bent stem features a brass-embedded CAO logo, a mark of authenticity and prestige. The original CAO logo sticker remains preserved inside the pipe's custom case.

This pipe was made from 100% solid block meerschaum of exceptional quality. Despite its large size, the pipe remains lightweight, making it not only a stunning display piece but also a comfortable smoke. The pipe comes in its original black leather custom-fitted case, handmade with brass hinges and soft velvet lining for protection. The leather case shows minimum wear and tear and adds vintage charm to this collectible piece.

A rare find and an outstanding example of vintage Turkish pipe artistry, this signed Bekler pipe is a must-have for serious collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Ismet Bekler was a prolific and popular carver when Mr. Irving Korn discovered him in the early 1970s during one of his trips to Turkey. Around 1977, a company named CAO (who at that time was primarily affiliated with Tinder Box pipe shops) contracted with Bekler to sell all of his carvings to them. CAO wanted to make Bekler a more well-known carver in the US, and it was at this time he began signing his pipes. Since CAO wanted more production and higher quantities of his pipes, Bekler stopped doing all the work himself. Although Bekler still did the basic carving, he let others in his workshop do the sanding, waxing, and fitting the bit to the pipes.

Over his long career, he became widely respected as one of the finest meerschaum carvers in Turkish history. Ismet Bekler passed away in 2018 at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of artistry, innovation, and timeless craftsmanship that continues to be admired by collectors and pipe smokers around the world.

All dimensions are approximate.

Length: 6.5"
Height: 3.3"
Width: 2"
Depth: 2.3"
Bowl Dia.: 0.77"

Guarantee: All of our pipes come with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
Availability: Generally ships within 24-48 hours.
Discounts: Email info@royalmeerschaumpipes.com or call 800-567-6922 for volume discount pricing.