Werner Mummert: Sandblasted Billiard with Buddha Belly Bamboo Tobacco Pipe

Remarkably concentric ring grain dominates the textured bowl of this Billiard from Werner Mummert, highlighted by a light stain of near virgin tone to demonstrate the pristine nature of the briar he chose for this composition. The shank offers an organic character with complex patterning of Buddha Belly bamboo's uniquely rounded style of knuckles, leading to a short saddle mouthpiece with a slight asymmetrical expansion at its base, helping to redirect the eyes toward to the stummel. And that stummel is worth the extra examination, especially given its deep sandblast and the excellent orientation of its growth rings. The rim is flat and finished smooth to contrast the bowl, which tapers in an arc along its flanks as it ascends from a dominating heel of wide curvature. The lifting forward heel accentuates that curvature and provides an almost subliminal impression of a slightly curved pipe for visual balance and interest. This is a pipe that will never fail to attract one's interest and admiration, as shaped by an expert craftsman.