Danish Estates: Teddy Knudsen Dantonian Smooth Walrus Tobacco Pipe

With decades of pipe-making experience, Teddy Knudsen is considered a master of the craft, and his reputation and skill are viewed as on par with the likes of Hans "Former" Nielsen, The Ivarssons, and Jess Chonowitsch. Here, Teddy recreates a shape pioneered by his brother Svend — the Walrus. At its core, the Walrus shape is essentially a bent Egg, with a tall, forward-ebbing bowl paired to a sinuously bent shank-and-stem arrangement, but it differs in that two flipper-like spurs protrude from the heel, giving the design its playful name.

This rendition from Teddy perfectly showcases what makes his work so enchanting — soft curves, flowing lines, and incredible finishing work. The form's characteristic heel protrusions allow this piece to sit sturdily without the aid of a pipe stand, while the fore-favoring rim reinforces the bowl's forward-drive. The shank-and-stem arrangement meanders out back, away from the bowl, and resembles, in some ways, the trailing tail of a fish or other aquatic animal. It's dressed in a warm, auburn-hued smooth finish, which showcases fine strands of flame grain across the fore and flanks of the bowl.