Henri Sorensen: Smooth Volcano Tobacco Pipe

Originally a glazier, Danish artisan Henri Sørensen primarily takes inspiration from his country's great artisans, with many of his pipes reflecting a skill for fine facets and timeless aesthetics. The Volcano is a seldom-seen shape from the artisan, and, according to our records, this piece is only the second pipe of its style that we've seen from Sørensen. Displaying a unique outline that separates itself from more archetypal takes on the profile, this pipe still features the shape's broad, rounded base and iconic wrapping ridgeline, which surrounds the stummel from the base of the stem to the fore of the bowl. Though it maintains this iconic feature, the silhouette of this piece features a more dynamic look compared to many other takes on the Volcano, with a deeply curved shank and stem and a tall, rounded bowl.

The transition is wide, with plenty of room to drape a digit, and it gives way to a subtly extended shank that curls as it rises to meet the stem, its end terminating just before coming in line with the rim. The stem features a slim base, which very slightly extends the stylistic length of the shank, and a sleek, smartly downturned saddle bit that poises this pipe for comfortable smoking and slenderizes the aft side slightly. Up front, the bowl stands on a rounded heel that's gently distended through the underside and creates a belly-like look, guiding the eye to the heel's lift at the fore where the base-defining ridge ceases its travel. From here, the walls of the bowl take on a rounded arc and taper to the rim, surrounding a rather reserved chamber with plenty of insulation to appreciate while smoking. Dressing this pipe is a vibrant, contrast-stained smooth finish that reveals dense streaks of straight grain surrounding the walls of the bowl and lining the flanks of the shank. The impressive display of grain additionally includes a vast sea of birdseye across the entire underside, with more to be seen atop the rim and shank.