Danish Estates: Anne Julie Rusticated Billiard (2018) Tobacco Pipe

Though originally introduced to the world of pipe making through her marriage to Poul Rasmussen, Anne Julie, over time, has become a titan of the craft in her own right. Not only are her pipes greatly admired for their elegant shaping and gorgeous presentation, but she has also contributed a wealth of guidance to young, upstart carvers. Most notably, Anne Julie was the first to recognize the talent of a young Tom Eltang, offering him an apprenticeship in her personal workshop.

A handsome showcase of Anne Julie's style, this Billiard sees a tall, upright bowl balanced at the fore of a protracted shank and an abbreviated saddle stem. In typical Danish fashion, the bowl tapers from its wide heel to its taut, flat rim, and as it does, it produces a low-set waistline that conforms naturally to the hand. The lengthy shank-and-stem arrangement lends the composition a sleek, subdued appearance in profile, allowing the form's understated linework and handsome finish to take center stage. Said finish takes the form a craggy, jet-black rustication that lends the composition a shadowy complexion and wealth of engaging texture.