Ken Dederichs: Smooth Bent Apple Tobacco Pipe

Though quite smooth and fairly straightforward, this bent Apple still showcases Ken Dederich's signature artistic flair. Compared to much of his other work, it exhibits a strong Danish influence, particularly in the light, lifting gesture of the heel, creating a soft, ballooning sort of Acorn-like bowl, itself lent a touch of the organic through a kiss of plateau around the inner rim. The subtle sweep to the transition, likewise, reinforces this theme, but the way he's handled the shank sets it apart from similar, Danish-informed designs. Simply put, this style of pinched, oval shank is a Dederich's signature, one characterized by a strong, flourishing flare in the cross-section as it approaches the mouthpiece. We've seen it across a number of his iconic forms, and it works quite well here, adding just a touch of extra dynamism to the otherwise smooth and controlled shape.

- Andrew Wike