Kent Rasmussen: Partially Rusticated Freehand Horn Tobacco Pipe

This is something that Kent Rasmussen does not execute all too often, presumably because of the amount of time and attention to detail that it requires. In fact, it's been three years since Kent made one, and who knows how long before he makes another. That something I'm referring to is the clever way that he's accentuated the form of this freehand Horn, highlighting the already pronounced ridges of the shape with a vibrant ribbon of polished and contrast stained surface, framing the delicately rusticated negative space within it.

As stated, it's a laborious undertaking, but one which has undeniably paid off. The form's ridges act as windows to the grain, offering a glimpse of lively flame and birdseye, a feat echoed within the depths of the chamber itself. Kent has continued the contrast-stained theme within the depths of the cavernous bowl, a detail, I am told, that the carver reserves for only his most exquisite pieces. It serves to highlight a particularly neat and well-oriented cross-cut, with birdseye at the aft and fore. The form is wonderfully comfortable in hand, evoking the feel of the handle of a high-end Italian briefcase. Beautiful work from Kent.