Lasse Skovgaard: Sandblasted Freehand Tobacco Pipe

Lasse Skovgaard began making pipes at his father Benni Jørgensen's workshop at only 16, later proving himself as a talented artisan in his own right. Now, with decades of experience, Skovgaard has become one of the best-known pipe makers in Denmark. His style is heavily influenced by the Danish Fancy movement, and expressive Freehands are highly sought after, though he also produces more traditional shapes with great skill. This Freehand is a fine example of Skovgaard's style, displaying a winning combination of supple curves and firm ridges. The plump bowl features a beveled inner rim, partially encircled by sinuous ridgeline that wraps around pipe from the transition, circumnavigating the rim before coming back around and traveling up and around the flared shank, coming to rest near the middle of said shank. This impressive feature creates a gentle cleft in the bowl and imparts an expressive organicism to the pipe's overall aesthetic. The shank itself is perfectly balanced with the cloven bowl, displaying a raised section that contrasts nicely with the recessed bowl. The conjunction extends the rift and ridge motif, left smooth to show off fine birdseye and fitted with a bent vulcanite stem. The inner rim around the chamber is also left smooth, creating a balance with conjunction, as well as tasteful contrast with the rest of the stummel's smoky scarlet sandblast that reveals excellent ring grain around the bowl. This pipe is a tour de force in contrast and balance, creating an impeccable fusion of function and artistry.