Neerup: P. Jeppesen Handmade High Grade Smooth Bent Billiard with Silver (8) Tobacco Pipe

Not only is this a member of Peder Jeppesen's Handmade line and an example of one of his prestigious "High Grade" pipes, but this bent Billiard is only the second example of the shape we've ever seen from the High Grade line. This piece maintains the stout, rather compact proportions that we're used to seeing from Neerup, with a large, hearty bowl here paired to a rather high-reaching length of shank and stem. Said combination is adorned at the junction with a broad band of variegated jade acrylic that's covered in a cloak of silver, adding rich color contrast to the composition. Additionally, this pipe is a lovely example of Jeppesen's skill in crafting pieces which combine both firm and soft elements, as the shank is carved in a diamond shape that sees a trio of ridgelines following through beneath and around the bowl. This serves to firm up the appearance of the bowl itself, frame its outline, and accentuate the curves that it showcases as it reaches toward the softly undulating rim. Dressing the stummel here is a vibrant contrast stain that reveals dense wisps of flame grain wrapping around the bowl, with both the top and underside of the briar displaying pepperings of birdseye.