Sabina Santos: Sandblasted Bent Billiard with Mammoth Tobacco Pipe

Having studied under such artisans as Hans "Former" Nielsen, Sabina Santos' shaping style is steeped in Danish design sensibilities, her work showcasing a deft understanding of crisp, clean line work and elegant curves, both of which are displayed in this bent Billiard by the Portuguese artisan. A pert, plump bowl is positioned upfront, with slim walls tapering from the broad, rounded base toward the taut rim, creating a Brandy-like figure that contours well to the hand. Accentuating the bowl's curves is a cheeked transition out back, from which a subtly lifted shank emerges and joins to a gingerly downturned tapered stem, the arrangement's posture creating a lively profile. Furthermore, the arrangement's posture encourages a comfortable clench, aided by this pipe's relatively light weight. Santos' pristine finishing work is exemplified here, with the stummel showcasing waves of fine growth rings beneath a crisp, jet-black sandblast, which is contrasted well by a smooth chestnut finish kissing the rim and a creamy mammoth accent adorning the base of the stem.