Tom Eltang: Smooth Bent Dublin with Horn Tobacco Pipe

Myriad bent Dublins populate Tom Eltang's illustrious portfolio, and his creativity with the shape results in numerous distinctive versions. That's one of the many boons of handmade pipe making: individual, one-of-a-kind iterations, even of classic shape-chart standards. Compared to some of his versions, this particular Eltang bent Dublin is on the more understated side, appealing to those who prefer reserved, timeless examples of traditional shapes. It's also among his more angular renditions. Instead of curling gradually through the shank, the profile presents a more defined delineation between bowl and shank, lending the composition a stoic and upright stance. Eltang's faculty with line and proportion is evident in the balance between the hand-cut stem's bend and the shank's curl, leading into the bowl's forward cant for a smooth, fluid, and dynamic posture. Highlighted by the Danish artisan's iconic contrast stain, tendrils of flame grain adorn the smooth bowl, and a creamy ferrule of horn adds a touch of contrast along the stem base.