Nikolay Kozyrev: Sandblasted Fish with Horn Tobacco Pipe

Nikolay Kozyrev flexes his Danish shaping muscles in this gorgeous Fish offering. Having spent a great deal of time repairing artisan pipes in his early days as a carver, the Russian pipe maker developed a deep respect for the Danish masters, and such influence is evident in this piece. Though plump and incredibly muscular, the shape itself is quite elegant, imbued with soft lines and supple curves throughout. The conventional ridgeline made by the teardrop shank travels down the left side, terminating abruptly at the transition. Other renditions often show said line gradually dissipating as it curls up the bowl; however, here Kozyrev keeps the bowl's plumpness smooth and symmetric, highlighting its forward cant and rotund nature. Dressed in a conservative, Danish-style sandblast, the finish offers just the right amount of texture, as the warm stain pairs naturally with the creamy horn accent at the shank end.