Mike Sebastian Bay: Smooth Volcano with Musk Ox Horn (A) 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.

The Volcano is a shape Bay has returned to with some regularity, and it's easy to see why when considering this piece. Bay imbues the shape with a curvature and dynamism that's immediately engaging, even at a glance. The bowl here boasts all of the form's characteristic features, including a broad, ridgeline-wrapped heel and an upward taper. What sets this piece apart, however, is its posture. The bowl possesses a sloped fore wall that curves from heel to rim. This wall lends the totality of the form a forward-urging posture, which is balanced by the shank-and-stem arrangement's subtle bend. All that exceptional shaping is highlighted by a ruby-hued smooth finish that dresses some stunning flame grain. Additionally, this piece is accented with a band of musk ox horn, which provides a touch of contrast to the shape's palette.