Tao: Smooth Bent Billiard with Silver Tobacco Pipe

Before taking up pipe making, Jens "Tao" Nielsen was a sailor that spent most of his early life at sea. He eventually settled down on land after meeting his wife, but his experience traveling had an impact on his approach to shaping. He often fashions compact shapes that are easily portable but still muscular and stocky enough to handle anything life throws at them. This bent Billiard is a fine example of that approach, thought it measures a touch longer than many of the Danish carver's pipes.

Even given the shape's relatively protracted length, it retains a tightly knit profile, one that keeps the sturdy bowl and sweeping shank-and-stem arrangement closely related. Said bowl tapers from its wide, plump heel to its taut rim, and as it does, it produces a low-set waistline that conforms quite naturally to the hand. Out back, the ovoid shank kicks high and tapers gradually into the base of the cumberland mouthpiece. The saddle stem lazily arcs toward its bit, promoting a comfortable smoking posture and adding a touch of gesture to the shape's profile. An auburn smooth finish dresses the stummel and highlights striking flame grain across the bowl and shank alike, while a sterling silver accent adorns the junction and ties the entire composition together with a touch of flash.