Tao: Smooth Billiard with Silver Tobacco Pipe

We're certainly no strangers to seeing bold and compact Danish Billiards from Tao Nielsen. While this one is of a similar length and height as his typical fare, though, it hews to more chubby proportions, with a considerable amount of briar being lent to the shank. The result is a hearty number that fits wonderfully in the hand, especially in light of the slightly tapered bowl and higher set transition. In terms of visual weight, the use of a saddle stem draws more focus to the stummel, enhancing its robust nature. Tao's also shaped this one perfectly: there's a hint of forward cant to the bowl, yet the shank is arrow straight and the heel still sits directly underneath the center of the rim, making for a solid, well balanced profile. With no shortage of stunning grain, including a birdseye studded rim and flame grain licked bowl, this piece is also adorned with a generous band of silver and cumberland stem, fitting right in with Nielsen's conventional color palette. It's sure to be right at home in any personal collection of Tao's work or would make the perfect introduction, as it's a beautiful representation of the Danish carver's dazzling aesthetic and remarkable craftsmanship.