Danish Estates: Kurt Balleby Smooth Bent Dublin (0) (Unsmoked)

Kurt Balleby is a carver who can effortlessly switch between organic playfulness and architectural structure in his work, delivering exquisite takes on classic forms in the rich Danish tradition. This bent Dublin displays plenty of elegant poise with its sinuous and fluid line work, resulting in a beautifully dynamic silhouette. The gracefully flowing shank is connected to the bowl at the transition through a well-defined ridgeline, reminiscent of Lars Ivarsson's iconic Cup and Ball design. A proud, flaring Dublin bowl commands much of the piece's visual weight and rightfully so, as the base of the hearty bowl gradually flares upward to a broad, gently inflated rim. Like all of Kurt's work, this piece features some truly magnificent grain. A warm auburn contrast stain highlights a stunning display of flame and straight grain around the bowl as well as a rim dominated by birdseye. Gorgeous work from the revered carver, and it's still unsmoked.