Danish Estates: Anne Julie Carved Bent Brandy with Silver (2013) Tobacco Pipe

Anne Julie is a legend in the history of Danish pipe making, and her influence and importance in the history of the craft cannot be understated. She was first introduced to the world of pipes through her marriage to renowned maker Poul Rasmussen, though it wasn't until his death that she decided to try her hand at carving pipes, with initial instruction coming from Hans "Former" Nielsen. She is also recognized for noticing a young Tom Eltang's promising skill in 1974, and for offering him an apprenticeship. In terms of her own style, she creates unique and easily identifiable designs that have earned her a dedicated following over the years. To see one of her pieces offered as an estate is extraordinary and a rare opportunity to own one of her highly sought-after works.

This bent Brandy is an excellent example of Julie's style of carving, showcasing the unique style of finish for which she has become known, making this pipe all the more desirable for enthusiasts of her work. An Egg-like bowl sits, perched atop a sweeping heel at the fore of this piece, its walls rising to a low-set waist before taking on a forward-urging taper to a slanted rim. Said rim affords the bowl an aerodynamic look and a defined peak at its fore, the aft end overlooking a more pronounced taper through its wall and a wide transition to an ovoid shank. This shank lifts swiftly and tapers into the junction which is here marked by a broad, generous band of silver etched with swirling patterns: A quartet of silver "leaves" affix this band to the shank and add further detail to this already impressively designed pipe. A smartly curved stem arcs out of the aerially-oriented shank and affords this piece a comfortable smoking posture, its base continuing the finish of the stummel. Yes, the aforementioned unique finish of this pipe continues into the stem via a craggy carving and organic expansions at the base, while the stummel showcases a look reminiscent of a flower, especially at the bowl. Areas around the bowl even feature lighter stains through certain carving grooves, resembling the folds of a flower's bud and contrasting well the jet-black stain across the rest of the briar.