Clay smoking pipes were first used in Britain in the 16th century following the importation of tobacco from the Americas. Early pipes tend to have small bowls as tobacco was relatively expensive at the period. They can be distinguished from, for example slate pencils by looking for the bore down the centre of the pipe.

What clay is used for tobacco pipes?

As mentioned in Materials and Construction clay in this case is almost always a very fine white clay. Low-quality clay pipes are actually made from porcelain forming techniques known as slip, and poured into a mold. These are porous, of very low quality, and impart unwanted flavors to a smoke.