Henri Sorensen: Smooth Lovat with Boxwood Tobacco Pipe

Like many artisan makers, Henri Sørensen entered the craft through his love of pipe smoking, a hobby he shared with his brother. Originally a glazier by trade, Sørensen had always held an affinity for old-school craftsmanship, so it didn't take long for the Danish carver to decide to make a pipe of his own. As a craftsman, Sørensen takes inspiration from Denmark's rich pipe-making history, with his pipes reflecting the tutelage he received from fellow carvers like Jens "Tao" Nielsen, Tom Eltang, and Lasse Skovgaard. That being said, Sørensen's pipes are distinctly his own, as each piece is imbued with the Danish carver's unique creative aesthetic.

This Lovat showcases the Danish carver's affinity for classic shapes and clean, elegant lines. As is traditional for the form, this piece boasts a firm, upright bowl that stands at the fore of a protracted round shank and an abbreviated saddle stem. The bowl tapers from its wide heel to its taut rim, and as it does, it produces a low-set waistline that conforms naturally to the hand. The cheeked transition naturally divides the fore and aft sides of the composition, and accentuates the bowl's rounded contours. A vibrant auburn finish dresses the stummel and highlights stellar flame grain across the bowl's flanks, while an accent of boxwood adorns the junction and lends a touch of completely color to the shape's palette.