Former: Smooth Bent Dublin with Horn Tobacco Pipe

Boasting decades of experience in the craft, Hans "Former" Nielsen has rightfully earned his place as one of the premier artisans in not just Denmark, but the world at large. He cut his teeth, for ten years, in the legendary W.Ø. Larsen workshop, where he oversaw and worked with the likes of Teddy Knudsen, Tonni Nielsen, and Jess Chonowitsch and during which he honed his sense for not just what was aesthetically pleasing about a particular piece, but how well it functioned and smoked. After leaving the Larsen workshop, Nielsen began making pipes under his own name, and his designs have influenced several generations of craftsman. His work showcases a penchant for sleek, minimalist lines, supple curves, and handsome finishes, as evidenced by this attractive bent Dublin.

This piece boasts a tall bowl that flares from its sweeping heel to its broad, plateau-crowned rim. As it flares outward, the bowl takes on a forward-canted posture that imbues the totality of the shape with an active appearance in profile. Out back, a fluidly bent shank-and-stem arrangement adds a touch of gesture to the form and promotes a comfortable smoking posture, all without distracting from the bowl's dynamic stance. Lightweight and comfortable in hand, this piece impresses with its elegant contours and reserved line work, offering a sophisticated yet traditional take on the ever-classic shape. A smoky smooth finish dresses the stummel and highlights striking flame grain across the bowl's flanks, while a ferrule of horn extends the shank and adds a touch of vibrancy to the shape's otherwise muted complexion.