Misc. Estates: Bjorn Bengtsson Smooth Dublin (1184) (1984) Tobacco Pipe

Bjorn Bengtsson is a Swedish artisan that we've seen precious little of in our history, though the quality of his work speaks for itself, as his nearly six decades of experience contribute to a concise, clean sense of line, and a wonderful grasp on the internal engineering of his pipes. Bengtsson got his start apprenticed under Poul Rasmussen, sent there by his mother to give him experience in working with briar so he could repair pipes for her in her own shop. After Rasmussen died, Bjorn went back to Copenhagen and began work for Anne-Julie, Poul's widow, where he made pipes alongside Teddy Knudsen for six years before returning to Sweden. Many of the pipes we have seen from Bengtsson come in the form of classic shapes that have been tinged by the influence of Rasmussen which has coalesced with Bjorn's own unique style, and such is the case with this straight Dublin.

This is a profile that fits in exceptionally well with the Danish classics, and its no surprise, as Rasmussen was one of the fathers of Danish artisan pipe carving along with Sixten Ivarsson. The ovoid stretch of shank and stem here keep the silhouette quite svelte overall, and the low-lying transition enhances this, placing a good deal of emphasis on the bowl's shape without detracting from their own. The bowl here is quite striking, presenting with a gentle flare from the firm heel to the rim, though the fore wall has been accentuated, growing with a soft curve to it that pushes it out more so than the aft. Not only does this keep the shaping dynamic and fun to look at, but it urges the bowl forward and fosters an aerodynamic quality which enhances the sleek look of the pipe as a whole. The soft arc to the rim is marked by a firm ridgeline, with the rim itself sloping inward as it reaches the chamber, enabling easier loading of tobacco. This piece sits rather easily on its flattened underside, and all the better, as this allows for easy display of its warm walnut contrast stain, the hues revealing dense wisps of flame grain wrapping the bowl, while the rim is peppered with rich birdseye.