Manduela: Smooth Bent Bulldog with Muskox Horn Tobacco Pipe

Having once been an apprentice of the great Poul Ilsted, it's no wonder the work Manduela Riger-Kusk seems to evoke such a strong Ilsted-like disposition, especially with her penchant for structured takes on the classic Bulldog. Crisp and well-defined of line, with succinct ridges at the underside extending past the transition and into the heel to form a spur of sorts, it's this unique interpretation which Manduela has explored time and time again. And here we see her work pushing the limits of overt compactness, while firmly treading the line between sharp geometry and gestural, serpentine flow; the underside's tight ridges lead to smooth curve at the bowl's flanks which again lead to the well-defined beadline and beveled rim, resulting in a picturesque display of aesthetic balance. It's finished in a dramatically vivid contrast stain, accentuating licks of flame all around, and paired to a jet-black stem sporting a creamy accent of shimmering muskox horn. Simply stunning work here from Manduela.

- Daniel Bumgardner