Fragment tabakspijp 1780 - 1810

This fragment of a clay tobacco pipe was made by Jan Smit, a Dutch pipe maker, at an unknown date. Though humble, everyday objects like this pipe offer a fascinating window into the social and economic history of their time. The rise of tobacco consumption in the Netherlands, particularly in port cities such as Amsterdam, depended on international trade networks and colonial expansion. The Dutch East India Company and other trading houses played a crucial role in introducing tobacco and pipes. As tobacco grew in popularity, so did the demand for pipes. The pipe-making industry became an important part of the Dutch economy, providing employment for artisans like Jan Smit. Studying objects such as this requires archival research into trade statistics, colonial histories, and the records of local manufacturers. Only then can we understand how this modest object connects to larger global trends.