Mike Sebastian Bay: Rusticated Bent Brandy Tobacco Pipe

Having apprenticed under fellow Dane Tom Eltang, Mike Sebastian Bay has certainly made a name for himself in the pipe-making world. Blessed with natural, intuitive skills, Bay has honed and fine-tuned his craft, producing work that is quickly scooped up by pipe smokers and collectors.

This bent Brandy displays the supple curves and easy flow of line affiliated with the Danish school, the gently forward-canting, rounded bowl showing off a broad, plump base before it tapers to the rim. Out back, the lifting shank is met by a downturned cumberland stem, and it's all rendered in compact, easily pocketed size. It's dressed in the dark, pronounced rustication similar to that utilized by Eltang, particularly on his Poker designs — the elder carver having trained Bay in the technique and given his blessing to use it in Bay's own work. Here, though, Bay has fashioned the finish in a more wavy fashion, with a smooth rim.