Werner Mummert: Sandblasted Lovat

Compared to his stylized Bulldogs and modernist reverse Calabash Pokers, this Lovat from Werner Mummert caters to a more traditional style. That said, it's still easily recognized as the work of the celebrated German carver. The finish and color palette in particular reflect Mummert's signature style — the sandblast prompting deeply grooved ring grain to wrap the bowl and the dark stain of the stummel contrasted tastefully by a stem of scarlet vulcanite. Shape-wise, this piece embodies the characteristic attributes of the classic Lovat: the long extension of shank paired to an abbreviated saddle stem. Werner dramatized the version to a certain degree, however, strongly tapering the bowl for a softer, almost plump aesthetic and stretching the shank considerably more than would typically be seen in traditional, archetypal interpretations. Such shaping combined with the deep sandblast and colorful palette indicates Mummert's distinct and innovate style, and this piece further benefits from a very lightweight disposition, adding practicality and comfort to an already alluring design.