German Estates: Frank Axmacher Sandblasted Freehand with Horn (2014) (Refinished) Tobacco Pipe

Frank Axmacher's experience as a sculptor shows throughout his portfolio, with much of his shaping inclined toward playful, organic designs and clean line work. This Freehand is a fetching example of the German carver's style, featuring a voluptuous, Egg-like bowl with a broad fore and aft that contour well to the hand, its figure formed by plump walls curving from the sweeping heel toward the sloped, taught rim. Lifting from the bowl is a slender shank fashioned with a generous, flaring mount of genuine horn, which accepts a gently bent saddle stem to offer a relaxed smoking posture. This piece was refinished with a smooth stain, with the stummel's surface bearing a subtle, rippling texture from its original sandblast.