Peter Heding: Smooth Bent Dublin Tobacco Pipe

A former molecular biologist, Peter Heding became fascinated with pipe making after seeing an interview with the famed Anne Julie. His interest piqued, Heding sought out Tom Eltang, who took the Heding under his wing and taught him the fundamentals of the craft. After two years of studying with Eltang, Heding took the pipes he had crafted to the Chicago Pipe Show in 2004 and 2005. Pleased with the reception his work had garnered, Heding eventually quit his research position and took on pipe making full time.

Like many Danish carvers, Heding showcases a penchant for supple curves and clean lines, both of which are present with this bent Dublin. Tall and muscular, the bowl here stands atop a lifted heel and flares upward to a domed, ridgeline-wrapped rim. The lifted heel thrusts the bowl into visual prominence and sweeps back toward the transition, carrying an energetic momentum through the curling shank-and-stem arrangement. A ridgeline flanks either side of the ovoid shank, adding structure to the overall form while also giving the eye an visual anchor from which to admire the form's consistent undercurve. A warm auburn finish dresses the stummel and highlights a beautiful display of flame grain about the bowl.