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

Kai Nielsen is a second generation artisan, following his father, Viggo Nielsen, in the tradition of the Danish style of pipe making. Viggo founded the Bari Piber pipe factory in Kolding, Denmark. It was in the halls of his father's well-renowned factory that a young Kai began his craft as a teenager. He started working at the factory full time at the age of 21 and has since accrued more than half a century of experience that sharpened the skills needed to craft such gorgeous pipes as this "Stubby" Billiard.

This Billiard lives up to its title of "Stubby," clocking in at only a smidge over four-and-a-half inches. Its compact length underscores the sheer, dominating girth of the shank. Whereas the average Billiard's shank is about one third the height of its bowl, this massive shank is close to half. Such proportions can understandably give the initial impression that this pipe is actually an Apple, especially with the distinct plumpness about the bowl's walls. The heel is wide and relatively flat, allowing the pipe to rest upright without assistance. A concise saddle stem with a swiftly tapering bit punctuates the back end. Accenting the stem is a trim, creamy accent that provides a nice bit of subtle contrast to the stummel's rich chestnut hue and the black of the acrylic stem. The stummel wears a smooth finish to emphasize a wealth of attractive grain throughout. Jewel of Denmark is Nielsen's grade used to specify his best works. Most pipes graded Jewel of Denmark are given a further sub-grade between "A" and "D," with this beautiful pipe having earned the prestigious "A."