Kai Nielsen: Smooth Tomato with Horn Stem (Jewel of Denmark) (A) Tobacco Pipe

Born in 1951 in Vordingorg, Denmark to renowned artisan Viggo Nielsen, Kai Nielsen got his start in the pipe world at an early age by working in the Bari pipe factory as a teenager for pocket money. The factory was founded by his father, and at 21, Kai began to work there full time, further honing his skills as a pipe maker before breaking into the craft of artisan pipe making. This Tomato is representative of some of his best work as part of his Jewel of Denmark line and has earned that series' highest grade of A. At under five inches in length, this is a rather compact piece overall and its squat build promises easy portability and the possibility of pocket carry as well. There's a palpable muscularity here thanks to the thickness of this pipe's build, and that's especially apparent through the robust shank, its hearty length ebbing out of a wide, cheeked transition. Said shank takes on a slight bit of taper through to its end before it meets a trim accent band of creamy white that marks the junction to the saddle stem. This stem is made entirely from horn, not only adding a wealth of contrasting color, but some crisp lines which are extremely impressive given the difficulty of this medium to shape. Standing at the fore atop a rounded heel is the bowl, its rotund contours and plump, low-set waist lending it a comfortable feel in hand while the walls themselves take on an easy, arcing taper to the rim. Dressing the briar is a vibrant contrast stain of lively ruby tones which sees flame grain flowing through the flanks of the shank and wrapping around the bowl while the top and underside are peppered by birdseye.