Former: Smooth Bent Brandy 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. This bent Brandy is a striking testament to Nielsen's impeccable style and keen eye for line and balance. The bowl here possesses the form's characteristic taper, which begins at the plump, slightly lifted heel and continues to the taut rim. This taper rounds out the bowl's walls and lends an ergonomic quality to shape, its curvaceous frame conforming naturally to the hand. Said bowl is set at the fore of an upturned shank that flares out to meet a demurely curved saddle stem of jet-black vulcanite. The shank's subtle expansion draws the eye to the pipe's aft side, and to the delicately posed mouthpiece, which ensures a comfortable smoking posture from which to enjoy the bowl's capacious chamber. Dressing this piece is a rich, smoky smooth finish that highlights a wonderful showing of birdseye and flame grain along the briar's surface.