Abe Herbaugh: Sandblasted Lovat with Silver Tobacco Pipe

For a carver who most often fashions more sinuous, rounded shapes and impressively showy Freehands, Abe Herbaugh presents here a damn fine rendition of the classic Lovat. It's clearly inspired by the traditional Danish iteration of the form, displaying smooth lines throughout that though soft and supple, still retain the regal shape's firmness. However, Abe hasn't tapered the bowl as much as, say, many a Danish artisan would — in doing so, the American carver has lent the piece a touch more muscularity and boldness in hand and in profile. The finish, though, is quite Danish, offering up a low-profile sandblast and dark stain with the diminutive ring of sterling silver adding an elegant touch. Not even five inches in length, this is a compact number from Abe, and in similar renditions from other carvers, I've seen many pair an oval shank to this form. Herbaugh hasn't done that here, which makes for a more upright, un-slouching posture.