American Estates: Michael Lindner Smooth Nightshade (A) (2007) Tobacco Pipe

Michael Lindner's catalogue incorporates a wide range of pipe styles, from handsome classics to signature designs and unique Freehands, all fashioned with quality craftsmanship and clear attention to detail. Considered to be one of the pioneers of the modern American style of pipe making, Lindner presents one of his signature shapes here: The Nightshade, a hybrid of sorts between the Acorn and Dublin in lengthy, muscular form. The tall, forward-urging bowl offers an undulating, flaring rim, with the high-waistline tapering quickly to a firm heel. The transition above and below seems to fold-in part of the shank, the shaping precise and difficult to achieve. The robust demeanor of the bowl continues through the shank, which gradually arcs gently upward and flares at the end, denoting a Danish influence, and is crowned in dark plateau. That shaping rhythm continues through the stylish dome of the hand-cut cumberland stem. The entire length of this hearty piece is seven inches, the lengthy profile a bit of a departure from the American pipe-making style, which leans toward compact pipes. It's wearing a smooth, auburn stain, highlighting gorgeous birdseye along the rim and entire underside, while wispy tendrils of flame grain fans across either flank.