Kai Nielsen: Smooth Liverpool with Horn (Jewel of Denmark) (D) Tobacco Pipe

The son of Viggo Nielsen, founder of the Bari pipe factory, Kai Nielsen got his start in carving at an early age, working in the factory as a teenager for pocket money before switching to full-time work there at 21. Now he enjoys an excellent reputation as an artisan in his own right, and has acted as mentor to others, including Kurt Balleby. This Liverpool is a handsome and rather classic example of the Danish artisan's work and has earned the Jewel of Denmark D grade — denoting some of his highest quality work. The extended length of shank here flows out from a wide, cheeked transition and takes on a gentle taper to the base of a trim tapered stem made from genuine horn. The junction is accented by a trim band of creamy white that allows the horn stem to stand out even further and lends the shank further intrigue that keeps the visual weight of this pipe balanced near the transitional area. Up front, the plump, bulb-like bowl is supported by a rounded heel, accentuating the fullness of its contours and drawing the eye to its low-set waistline and slight arcing taper to the rim. The aft wall slants toward the rim a bit more readily than the fore, lending it a slight bit of dynamism which keeps the profile looking active despite its straight disposition. Dressing this pipe is a vibrant auburn stain that showcases flame grain which runs down the flanks of the shank wonderfully and wraps around the bowl, while the top of the shank and underside are displays for ample birdseye.