German Estates: Rainer Barbi Smooth Bent Bulldog (AA) (993) (1987-1992) Tobacco Pipe

When one thinks of historically significant pipe making communities, Germany isn't one of the first countries to come to mind — at least when compared to England, France, and Denmark. However, when one considers influential artisan pipe makers, the late Rainer Barbi makes the list every time. He represents the pinnacle of German pipe making, with many of today's carvers revering and looking to Barbi's work for inspiration and influence. Sometime during the late '80s or early '90s, Rainer fashioned this bent Bulldog. Lithely bent with a slender shank-and-stem combination, the majority of the piece's visual weight is at the bowl. The panels of the shank extend into the bowl's heel for an even more architectural aesthetic while a pair of beadlines are placed low along the bowl, sitting right above the transition. The amber-hued acrylic stem offers some vibrant contrast against the stummel's traditional stain, which ably highlights the tight grain around the bowl's flanks.