Luiz Lavos: Smooth Stack with Horn Tobacco Pipe

Brazilian carver Luiz Lavos, who fashions handmade pipes just outside of Lisbon, Portugal, has a deep appreciate for classic pipe shapes, specifically those that ascribe to the Danish pipe-making tradition. His career as a graphic designer and experience as a luthier and woodworker have afforded him a keen eye for form and line, both aspects prioritized in the balanced and harmonious minimalism often evident in classic Danish pipes and exemplified beautifully in this Stack rendition from Lavos. Luiz doesn't consider any certain shape a "signature" of his; however, he does often fashion Stack and Lumberman renditions, enjoying re-imagining those less-often-seen pipe-chart standards. This example exhibits a strong sense of Danish pipe design in the tall bowl's subtle upward taper and pronounced cheeking about the base. Furthermore, the use of horn is a common accenting touch among Danish carver's, and Luiz's approach here reflects that influence: the accent soften rounded at the end and paired to stem with a crisp expansion disc along the base. Finished smooth and in a deep, almost burgundy stain, the stummel reveals cross-grain and birdseye in immaculate, symmetrical array, the height of the bowl maximizing the stunning display and offering plenty of chamber depth.