Tao: Sandblasted Rhodesian with Silver Tobacco Pipe

Jens "Tao" Nielsen was a sailor before becoming a renowned carver in the pipe-making world. He apprenticed under Erik Nørding and soon thereafter joined Poul lsted in making Svendborg pipes, later opening his own shop in 1981. It's that experience and attention to detail, along with quality craftsmanship and understated finishes, that make the Danish carver's work so highly desired.

The acclaimed carver often favors muscular, particularly compact forms in his work, and there are quite a few Bulldogs in his portfolio. Rhodesians? Not so much, making this chubby Nosewarmer a most welcome, rather uncommon addition. Despite its short stature, this piece packs a lot of substance into the form and while many Nosewarmers look compressed and ultra-stout, this one possesses a graceful design. The bowl is wrapped by pronounced twin beadlines beneath the domed rim, while the flanks below are rounded in supple fashion, the curves and lines throughout this pipe softened in Danish style. It's poised at the end of an ever-broadening oval shank that looks slim in profile but actually flares demonstrably. The carver has finished this Rhodesian in a well-executed, low-profile tanblast, the earthy stain unveiling a handsome array of growth rings intermingled with slender wisps of flame grain. A gleaming silver band lends a tasteful accent, the shaping continuing through the upward-flicking base of the brindled, vulcanite stem, the design of which often characterizes Tao's pipes.