Kai Nielsen: Smooth Apple (Jewel of Denmark) (A) Tobacco Pipe

Kai Nielsen started working in his father's pipe factory as a teenager, becoming full-time at 21 and accumulating an impressive wealth of experience that contributes to his refined, classically Danish carving style. This Apple is a remarkably petite piece, coming in a touch over five inches long and offering a feathery weight in hand. The bowl is plump, with a pert, bulb-like build that stands upon a rounded heel and grows curvaceous walls that taper subtly to the rim. Balancing this bowl is a fairly long shank, its extended reach met by a sleekly tapering stem of black acrylic that works well with the stummel's warm stain to offer a classic, timeless palette. Finished smooth, this pipe showcases plenty of handsome grain, and it has earned the Jewel Of Denmark grade at the A level, denoting it as some of Nielsen's best work thanks to its excellent shaping and grain.