German Estates: Rainer Barbi Smooth Apple with Bamboo (AB) Tobacco Pipe

The late Rainer Barbi was considered by many to be Germany's top artisan pipe maker before passing in 2011, with many aspiring carvers continuing to study his body of work for inspiration. Barbi's shaping style primarily reflected Danish design cues, his portfolio rife with supple, voluptuous designs of mostly smooth finishes, as realized with this straight Apple. The plump, curvaceous bowl presents a gentle taper toward the rim, and thanks to a low-set transition and pencil-thin, abbreviated shank, is quite poised, the soft contours resulting in a supple, comfortable fit in hand. The artisan then seamlessly extended the shank with two knuckles of bamboo, adding an organic aesthetic to the form and contrasting the jet-black hue of the slender saddle stem, the base of which continues the trajectory of the pale grass. The stummel is dressed in a warm auburn stain that unveils simply stunning whorls of birdseye along with tight-knit, short stacks of cross grain. This piece is sure to be scooped up by a discerning collector who appreciates the exquisite shaping and grain display offered here.