Mike Sebastian Bay: Rusticated Danish Egg with Camel Bone Tobacco Pipe

Looking for someone to repair his father's old pipes, Mike Sebastian Bay found himself in the workshop of Tom Eltang. After talking, the two men quickly bonded, and Eltang offered Bay an apprenticeship. Bay accepted and set about learning everything he could from the elder carver. Overtime, Bay refined his craft as he studied shaping, drilling, engineering, and finishing. Now, Michael Sebastian Bay is one of Denmark's most accomplished young artisans, and his work is sought after by discerning collectors from all over the world.

With its subtle curves, forward-urging bowl, and flowing line work, this bent Egg immediately captures the eye and evokes a certain suppleness that's often found in Danish pipe making. A plump, subtly lifted heel thrusts the bowl into visual prominence and sweeps toward the transition, which gives way to a languid curve of shank and stem. The shank-and-stem arrangement curls into a dramatic S-curve that ensures a comfortable smoking posture and adds a good deal of gesture to the overall form. The bowl conforms naturally to the hand, its rounded contours and plump base fitting well between grasping fingers. A deep, auburn-hued rustication dresses the stummel and covers the bowl and shank in craggy valleys of briar. An accent of camel bone adorns the base of the saddle stem, its pearly white hues contrasting the stummel's warm complexion.