Partially Rusticated Horn with Plateau (Butterfly) Tobacco Pipe

Fully exemplifying the kind of inspired, high caliber work Kent Rasmussen has built a reputation upon, this is simply a gorgeously shaped block of briar, complete with delicate flank lines, a seamless transition from bowl to shank, and a slightly undulated rim awash in impressive grain. A wide stripe of plateau has been carefully etched out of the right side of the piece, and is juxtaposed against the perfectly controlled and smooth finish, adding an artful sense of the jagged and imperfect for a richer total composition. Again, this is an incredibly well grained block of briar, brought to glorious life by Kent's handsome orange hued contrast stain. Butterfly grade indeed.

-- Ted Swearingen