Former: Smooth Billiard with Ivorite Tobacco Pipe

As one of Denmark's most revered artisans, Former's legacy is rooted in tradition yet shaped by a continuous pursuit of perfection. Beginning his career at just 15, Nielsen honed his skills under Poul Rasmussen before moving into a supervisory role at the iconic W.Ø. Larsen workshop, where he helped guide and mentor legendary figures like Teddy Knudsen, Tonni Nielsen, and Jess Chonowitsch. After a decade at Larsen, he struck out on his own, forging a reputation for excellence that has since influenced generations of craftsmen around the globe.

Showcasing Former's keen eye for proportions and clean line work, this Billiard presents the classic profile that many smokers know and love. However, its refined sensibility makes it stand out from the average Billiard. The grain on this piece is striking, carefully oriented by Former's eye — flame grain lines the flanks of the bowl and shank, elegantly accentuating the contours of this piece. Lush fields of birdseye grain adorn both the upper and lower parts of this piece, extending from the bowl's rim to its junction. This deliberate grain orientation creates an intriguing perspective, as the different types of grain blend together seamlessly. The side profile beautifully highlights intricate striations of flame grain, while, when viewed from above, this piece reveals a dense expanse of birdseye grain, with each type of grain transitioning smoothly into the next without clouding.

Every line of this piece has been thoughtfully rendered. Starting from the bowl, the heel is nicely rounded, providing an ideal base that supports the bowl's gentle taper towards the rim. This roundness emphasizes the overall compact muscularity of the piece, seamlessly informing the cheeked transition that creates a distinct visual separation between the bowl and the shank. The compact proportions continue along the shank, maintaining a balanced profile all the way through the sleek taper of the vulcanite stem. The stummel is beautifully dressed by an auburn-hued contrast stain that accentuates every speck of grain. A rounded accent of Ivorite is positioned at the junction, featuring intricate striations of its own, which tie this composition together with a touch of contrast.