Lasse Skovgaard: Smooth Bent Apple Tobacco Pipe

Lasse Skovgaard formally entered the pipe-making world when, as a teen, he began working at the highly acclaimed W.Ø. Larsen workshop in Copenhagen, seemingly a rite of passage for young artisans in Denmark. Many of Lasse's peers, too, have worked at the workshop before enjoying longstanding careers as solo artisans. Lasse also benefitted from learning skills from his father, renowned carver Benni Jørgensen, and from Teddy Knudsen, before striking out on his own as an independent artisan in 2004.

Charming and plump, this bent Apple features the supple contours and easy line work of Danish design, the bowl's low-waisted, curvaceous disposition, along with a gradual taper toward the gently beveled rim resulting in a comfortable, voluptuous fit in hand. Cheeking at the transition is followed by an upward lifting shank bracketed by soft ridgelines, while a hand-cut, vulcanite saddle stem lends a comfortable smoking posture. Lasse has dressed this piece in one of his glossy contrast stains, the vibrant auburn hues highlighting gorgeous flame grain on all flanks, with whorls of beautiful birdseye clustering the underside.