Meerschaum Question

[easterntraveler]

I have been looking into Meerschaum pipes. I have noticed most are a brilliant white however I have ran into some artitsts that are selling "New" pipes and they have an off-white (almost light tan-ish) color.. for example
http://www.ebay.com/itm/S-YANIK-MEERSCHAUM-Pipe-TITAN-BONE-HAND-HOLDING-SKULL-16-inch-BEST-of-BEST-/390616865103?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5af294594f
Is this a less qualit meerschaum?? If not what is the purpose of buying a new meerschaum that has already been colored? Do they color darker than others?

 

[eaglerico]

Rothnh's meer is probably African meer. African meer is much more dense then turkish meer. Thus, most of the time the makers would impart some sort of coloring to give it some character. Many turkish meers can be pure white to yellow to a dark brown and be brand new. This has to do with the color of the wax they coat the pipe in. Some prefer the color already on the pipe, while others want to pure white. Over time, the brown will wear away, just as the clear you are used to seeing and the pipe will color from smoking just like any other meer pipe.
Many meerschaum pipes, such as the one you linked to, are purchased as pieces of art instead of instruments used for smoking, so many of the more intricately carved pieces are given some color from the carver for this reason as well.
The particular carver you linked to, S. Yanik, is a very good carver and some of his pipes are major works of art. I have one of his pipes as well, but mine is a simple panel egg. Nothing as ornate.

 

[easterntraveler]

I am really considering buying a churchwarden of his. IHO Ibelieve if it was designed as a pipe then it should be smoked. I would smoke out of it if I could afford it. Same as classic cars it was built to drive; enjoy.
But to each his own. Just my opinion. Thank you for the meerschaum info.

 

[meerqueen]

@easterntraveller
meerschaum original color is white.but in pipe making we manufacturers use different waxing tecniques.Some dark color like this photo can be obtained by putting some different materials inside the beewax.
Although we do not sell Yanik pipes, they are great and work of arts.
Regards,

B.B

 

[jgriff]

As crazy as it sounds, there are people who buy meerschaum pipes to look at but not smoke. The "pre-colored" bowls just have more contrast. My understanding is that when they smoke that color will fade and as the beeswax is absorbed, they will lighten and color normally but I don't have one like that, so I can't speak from experience.
The African meers that Roth speaks of often were "blackened" at the rim to provide contrast just for appearance. Some African meers were completely blackened as well. They look like rusticated black briars at first glance.

 

[foggymountain]

According to Storient, who should not be relied on for anything, therefore this explanation could be pure fiction, they are colored by applying wax and heating in an oven.