Kent Rasmussen: Smooth Bent Egg (Three Star) Tobacco Pipe

When it comes to Kent Rasmussen's body of work, the first pipes to come to mind are likely his more sculptural pieces — those compositions that really push the boundaries of pipe making in their overall form, while still remaining functional as a pipe. That being said, recently we've begun to see more "pipe-like" shapes from the Danish master — forms which are more readily recognizable as a pipe, rather than a sculpture or a stand-alone work of art.

This bent Egg is a beautiful example of that more recent, conservative style — still quite complex in its lines and form, yet leaving no doubt that this is, in fact, a pipe. In profile, it's extremely fluid, with twin creases lining either side of the piece: one which dissolves into the plump curves of the left flank and one which features a more pronounced form, continuing all the way up to the right of the fore of the rim. Those lines serve to guide the eye across the entire composition, accentuating the design's sweeping, curling silhouette. It's finished in a smooth, in a vibrant contrast stain, showcasing a beautiful display of flame grain, contrasted by a unique creamy accent fused with the vulcanite mouthpiece.