Smooth Natural Poul Ilsted Tribute Paneled Bent Dublin with Musk Ox Horn Tobacco Pipe

Formerly known as the American Pipe Making Exposition, our annual Global Pipe Making Exposition features contributions from some of the world's foremost artisans, all united around a central theme. One of the most exciting events of the year for carvers, smokers, and enthusiasts of briar alike, the Global Exposition acts not only as a showcase for the immense talent of these artisans but a focus for the boundless creativity that these masters of the art possess. For 2025, the theme of our Expo is "In Memoriam," celebrating the life and works of artisans who have passed on, yet whose impact on the craft and those around them is utterly undeniable.

Trey Rice is a Texas-based artisan whose background in architecture and lifelong passion for craftsmanship converge in the creation of finely engineered, visually striking pipes. Rice brings a thoughtful, design-forward approach to pipe making interpreted through his own creative lens. For this year's Global Expo, Rice pays tribute to Poul Ilsted — an artisan widely regarded by collectors and fellow makers alike as one of the finest pipe makers of his generation. Renowned for his flawless engineering and distinct design sensibility, Ilsted earned the nickname "The Master of Facets" thanks to his Bulldogs and paneled forms, each defined by crisp lines and bold geometry.

As much as the nickname fits Poul, this paneled Bent Dublin by Trey Rice is an equally fitting tribute. The bowl features six sharply cut facets, offering a striking interplay of form and texture that engages both the eye and the hand. Its angular form is elegantly juxtaposed against the shank's languid bend — each element difficult to carve on its own, but even more challenging when combined. The shank itself is framed by two subtle facets, while the upper and lower surfaces flow into a gentle curve — an element not immediately visible in profile, quietly highlighting Rice's ability to move effortlessly between structure and softness.

The shank continues this interplay of forms through the stem, intersecting at an inlaid accent of musk ox horn— a material that adds contrast with hints of grain tendrils throughout. The shaping alone is impressive, but the grain elevates the piece even further. Each facet displays vivid flame grain along its flanks, while the upper and lower portions of the stummel reveal uninterrupted swirls of birdseye. This seamless grain alignment across both crisp and soft shaping is exceptionally rare. Altogether, this pipe is a thoughtful tribute to Poul Ilsted— not just in its shaping, but in the way it showcases the grain so beautifully, a reflection of Trey's skill and care as a craftsman.