David Huber: Smooth Horn (1220) Tobacco Pipe

A muscular and well-structured Horn interpretation, this rendition from David Huber does well to exemplify the precise line work often seen in the North Carolina-based carver's work. Two pairs of firm ridgelines dramatically ascend the stummel to join the broad, gently inflated rim and help give this composition its sweeping silhouette. The rim is particularly interesting as it's square-shaped to match the shank, though it's softly rounded to contrast the crisp ridgelines while its interior has been neatly chamfered, sloping into the tobacco chamber. Particularly enticing about this Horn is the sublime grain Huber was able to coax out of this briar block and how perfectly oriented the grain is all around the stummel. Streaks of horizontal grain climb the bowl's fore and aft panels while mesmerizing whorls of birdseye graces the side flanks, with the contrast stain making the grain even more visually captivating. The hand-cut vulcanite stem is also noteworthy, being shaped to flawlessly align with the shank's ridgelines. This pipe is clearly a carefully considered composition, where its subtle details combine to form an exceptional smoking instrument that also happens to be aesthetically pleasing.