Dirk Heinemann: Smooth Bent Egg with Ebony Tobacco Pipe

When Dirk Heinemann fashions a rendition of the bent Egg, the German carver often carves Nosewarmer versions of convenient size for easy portability and ever-comfortable smokability. As such, this smooth example fits easily into Dirk's recognizable style and is an excellent testament to his appealing aesthetic and impressive craftsmanship. That said, while this piece exemplifies Heinemann's overall work, it still bears individuality and unique styling, being a particularly chubby rendition compared to Dirk's more sleek and streamlined versions. Instead of pairing a rounded Egg bowl on the end of a svelte shank, the muscularity of the bowl continues into the shank for a stout and robust design that fits well in hand, belying the pipe's extremely compact length. The negative space of the saddle stem further accentuates the stummel's substantial presence, and it's all dressed in a rich, chestnut contrast stain to unveil vivid streaks of flame grain, accented by the more reserved color palette of ebony wood at the shank end.