Before there was briar, there have been Meerschaum pipes. Elaborately carved and really collectable, Meerschaum has seen a resurgence in popularity in the final 20 years due to the fact many people who smoke consider it delivers a truer tobacco style, because the motor vehicle for that tobacco is non-porous. https://vocal.media/art/elevating-craftsmanship-the-charm-of-ceramic-pipes-by-cosmos-art-ceramics