Kent Rasmussen: Smooth Tomato with Masur Birch (Butterfly) Tobacco Pipe

The son of a handyman, Kent Rasmussen learned how to operate workshop tools from a young age, using his imagination to make some of his favorite childhood toys. He leveraged his mechanical knowledge to become a technical assistant in the construction business, later following his dream and becoming a modern artist. During his time as an artist, Rasmussen tried his hand at carving pipes, but only after meeting Teddy Knudsen did he decide to give pipe-making his full attention. Rasmussen sees every pipe as a piece of art and approaches carving much like creating a small sculpture, adroitly crafting each shape as the briar grain dictates. Despite his fixation on the aesthetic, Rasmussen also prioritizes function, ensuring all of his pipes are both works of art and exceptional smokers.

A stunning take on the Tomato that blends traditional aesthetics with modern, creative flourishes, this pipe numbers among the finest we have ever seen from Kent Rasmussen. Possesses of plump, bulging walls, the bowl feels robust in hand as it takes on classically stout proportions. However, the bowl is framed by two defined ridgelines that flow downward from the fore, sweep through the heel, extend beneath the transition, and terminate at the shank end. Furthermore, the ridges progressively grow further apart, creating a dynamic flare that is not visible in profile but is eye-catching from other perspectives. The shank itself is thick and gestural, its sturdy form gently bending upward as it reaches toward the saddle stem. Said stem features an ornate base that is adorned with Masur Birch, one of Rasmussen's favorite accenting materials due to its stunning grain pattern and organic charm. The chestnut hues of the accent are gracefully complemented by the jet-black vulcanite that ascends to a broad bit poised at a relaxed angle. Moreover, the stummel shines with a vibrant orange smooth finish, which highlights alluring swaths of birdseye across the flanks of the bowl and shank, while radiant cross grain wraps around the vertical axis of the stummel.