Meerschaum carvings by Sinan Atilla and other Turkish arts and crafts.
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Welcome to Turkish Tulip, the home of genuine Turkish meerschaum carvings by Sinan Atilla in Istanbul. Sinan meerschaum carvings include meerschaum pipes, eggs, thimbles, and keepsake boxes. Turkish Tulip is located in Madison, Wisconsin. We are the exclusive United States suppliers of Sinan Atilla’s exquisite hand-carved work.
What is Meerschaum?
Meerschaum is mostly known for being a high quality pipe making material. Meerschaum is a German word describing this soft mineral, which literally means sea foam inspired by its white color and light weight. According to Turkish legend it was sometimes discovered floating on the Black Sea.
The highest quality stone is mined in the plains of Eskisehir, Turkey. Meerschaum is an important economic resource for the natives of Eskisehir. Many farmers mine meerschaum during the winter months when they are not farming. Eskisehir is also the home to many talented meerschaum artists. Sinan is one of the few who is not from and does not reside in Eskisehir.
Meerschaum is soft and chalk-like when mined. Shaping and carving is done during this soft stage and followed by a slow drying process. For a final touch, Sinan uses a unique polishing technique. The polish consists of quality ingredients including pure beeswax to give his carvings a beautiful ivory color to this otherwise white stone.
Sinan not only creates handmade pipes, but also a host of collectible and functional art in traditional Turkish patterns. Thimbles, sewing kits, bottle stoppers, and salt and pepper shakers just a few to name.