Sabina Santos: Sandblasted Billiard with Mammoth Tobacco Pipe

One of the few pipe makers from Portugal, Sabina Santos got her start in pipe making through her husband's love of pipe smoking. As he began to research artisan pipe makers, Santos felt the urge to carve a pipe herself. Already possessed of some wood working skills, Santos learned through trial-and-error as she honed her pipe making abilities. However, she wanted to learn more. Her desire sparked several trips to Denmark where she learned under legendary artisans like Tom Eltang, Kai Nielsen, Tao, and Former. Her trips lead to a strong Danish influence in her pipe making aesthetic, with her crisp line work and supple shaping skills lending well to the organic Danish style. Furthermore, Santos prioritizes engineering in her pipes above all else to ensure every one provides a sublime smoking experience.

This Billiard by Sabina Santos presents a streamlined elegance due to its flawless proportions. At the fore, the tall bowl displays an upright posture and a significant taper to the rim, with the plump, low-set waistline hinting at the Brandy shape. The cheeked transition leads to a slim shank that is barely shorter than the height of the bowl, which naturally draws one's eyes rearward, landing on the stunning mammoth accent. One of Santos' favorite accenting materials, the organic mammoth band presents stunning hues of creamy browns, light grays, and inky blacks. By subtly shortening the shank and elongating the tapered stem, Santos is able to emphasize the gorgeous mammoth accent while preserving the aesthetic feel of the shape's traditional proportions.

Additionally, the mammoth accent offers a middle ground between the stummel and stem. Said stem is crafted from jet-black vulcanite, with the even taper from the base to bit adding to its sleek character. On the other hand, the stummel showcases a striking sandblast that highlights undulating growth rings and whorls of birdseye in arresting detail. Furthermore, the stain increases the organic appeal of the sandblast. Santos melds dark walnut, warm chestnut, and bright blonde hues together in a fashion that brings out the three-dimensional definition of the rugged texture. The rustic appeal of the stummel and sleek look of the stem meet at the mammoth accent, whose slick, organic pattern provides an alluring blend of both elements, tying together the composition.