Abe Herbaugh: Smooth Acorn Tobacco Pipe

A bold, muscular Acorn, this rendition once again sees Abe Herbaugh drawing inspiration from Danish shaping, with a form as robust as it is striking. And as conspicuous as it is, it's a rather straightforward interpretation based on those we've seen from the American artisan in the past, making use of a craggy crown of plateau, along with a crisp Ivarssonian teardrop line that travels entirely to the rim, rather than dissolving into the bowl itself. There's some serious curling gesture in silhouette, bolstered by its generously distributed sense of proportion, and Abe's managed to coax a smoldering display of dancing flame on all flanks by way of a dark walnut contrast. A gorgeous piece.