Tobacco reached Europe long after the discovery of America in 1492. Smoking and chewing tobacco and taking snuff only became widespread in the course of the 17th century. During the Thirty Years War, which lasted from 1618 to 1648, tobacco became very popular with soldiers. However, its consumption was prohibited in many countries, and was even punishable by death in the Ottoman Empire. Such prohibitions may actually have contributed to the growing enthusiasm for tobacco. 

Pipe bowls from Ulm were widespread throughout Upper Austria. They were carved from the wood of marshland trees. The workshops that made them were primarily in the Salzkammergut area. 

Meerschaum pipes were also highly sought-after. This light and porous mineral was ideal for their structure, and Vienna became a manufacturing centre.

Pipe bowls were also made of porcelain and painted.

Tobacco and snuff were stored in little tins made of wood, paper mâché, metal, ibex horn, cow horn and bone. Simple snuff boxes were everyday possessions for the common man, and were popular lovers’ gifts.