Dirk Heinemann: Smooth Billiard with Ivorite Tobacco Pipe

Dirk Heinemann's path to pipe making was shaped by equal parts craftsmanship and curiosity. A trained carpenter with a degree in product design from the University of Hannover, Heinemann spent years refining his skills as a furniture designer before turning his attention to pipes. Though he modestly describes his style as simple, clear, and uncomplicated, his pieces often push boundaries, blending clean lines with bold, avant-garde touches.

This Billiard is a testament to Heinemann's refined approach to classic shapes, elevated by its intriguing proportions and subtle design choices. At the forefront is a tall, cylindrical bowl that rises from a broad, plump heel, gradually tapering with graceful curvature toward the rim. The bowl connects to the shank via a softly cheeked transition, lending the midsection a fuller, rounder silhouette. Extending from the shank is a hand-cut Ivorite stem — an ivory substitute that adds striking visual contrast to the form. The stummel wears a deep walnut stain, showcasing dense patches of birdseye across the flanks, complemented by vibrant streaks of cross grain along the rim and shank.