Partially Sandblasted Lars Ivarsson Tribute Long Shank Acorn with Ivorite (Abbot) (A25) (23) Tobacco Pipe

Formerly known as the American Pipe Making Exposition, our annual Global Pipe Making Exposition features contributions from some of the world's foremost artisans, all united around a central theme. One of the most exciting events of the year for carvers, smokers, and enthusiasts of briar alike, the Global Exposition acts not only as a showcase for the immense talent of these artisans, but a focus for the boundless creativity that these masters of the art possess. For 2025, the theme of our Expo is "In Memoriam," celebrating the life and works of artisans who have passed on, yet whose impact on the craft and those around them is utterly undeniable.

This remarkable Long Shank Acorn by Jody Davis is the American carver's tribute to Lars Ivarsson: one of the most influential artisans in all of Danish pipe making — and pipe making at large, for that matter. Jody developed a friendship and worked closely with Lars in the late '90s and early 2000s. He was one of the first American artisans to learn from some of the Danish greats and adopt their carving style, and as such, he played a major role in popularizing it once returning to the States.

Given his relationship with Lars, it's only fitting that Jody would choose a shape that captivated his mentor and friend's attention throughout the years. Lars was known for his perfectionism, striving to craft the ultimate iteration of each silhouette he envisioned. With every iteration, he would inch closer to perfection, yet as is the case with any great artist, he was never fully satisfied. As a result, Lars crafted many renditions of the Acorn over the years, and they often featured the refined elements that are present here in Jody's tribute: soft curves, an elongated shank with a radiused accent ring, a domed saddle stem, and a distinctive dual finish with a collar-like effect at the transition — akin to his Cup and Ball designs. The dual finish in particular makes this Acorn a fitting tribute to Lars and a stunning piece in general, as the sandblast along the shank is slightly raised, with a cupping, embracing effect that poises the smooth-polished bowl like a prized jewel in a setting. Said bowl shows off a stunning display of flame grain, and the rim wears a crown of craggy plateau, adding further textural complexity to the piece. A raised band of Ivorite encircles the shank, adding a striking pop of tonal contrast as well. While Jody has imbued this Acorn with a touch of American muscularity, he has preserved the soft, Danish lines and other hallmarks of his mentor's signature style, resulting in a piece that's as meaningful as it is beautiful.