Dirk Heinemann: Smooth Bent Egg Sitter with Bamboo Tobacco Pipe

To my knowledge, this is the first piece from Dirk Heinemann we've received that utilizes bamboo. That being said, based on the craftsmanship and artistry of this bent Egg, you would think it were a common feature in the German carver's work. The flow from button to transition is simply flawless, an incredibly impressive feat considering the stem, shank, and stummel are comprised of three completely different mediums: vulcanite, bamboo, and briar, respectively. They're all married together not just in their perfectly matching diameters but also in overall style. The visual texture of the saddle stem transitions effortlessly into the widening knuckles of the bamboo, while the shank's horizontal striations, then, flow into the natural grain of the briar, making it seem as though the tongues of flame grain are originating from the bamboo itself as they shoot from the transition, curling up the bowl all the way to the beveled rim. It's proudly displayed for all to see thanks to the flattened heel, allowing the piece to stand upright and show off all of its intricacies. Needless to say, Dirk has executed this piece with an artistic precision that only few can boast.