Danish Estates: S. Bang Smooth Blowfish (1004) (2010) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

Per Hansen and Ulf Noltensmeier of S. Bang created some of the most sought after Blowfish on the market before they retired in 2019, closing the Danish workshop. Marked by twin crisp, pronounced lines descending down the fore through the heel to the transition — and a third initiated at the shank's underside and disappearing into the heel — the form is an exercise in elegant minimalism, and one that balances the sinuously curved with the precisely crisp. The left flank is more bulbous, the supple curves of the bowl making for a voluptuous fit in hand. The reserved use of line work allows the grain to take center stage, and lends the overall composition a sense of organic dynamism, especially in the degree of implied forward motion. The briar is indeed designed to best show off its remarkable grain, the left flank showcasing beautiful whorls of birdseye, while handsome cross grain can be found at fore and aft. The stummel is wearing one of S. Bang's stunning auburn contrast stains, all culminating in a gorgeous piece of art that's highly functional. Presented unsmoked.