Werner Mummert: Sandblasted Bent Bulldog Tobacco Pipe

Werner Mummert is known for crafting unique, boundary-pushing designs that are almost avant-garde in their shaping and style. With this bent Bulldog, however, Mummert has crafted something fairly traditional, but still easily recognizable as the carver's work. Certainly a departure in term of what one usually associates with the Bulldog shape, this piece possesses a tall, forward-canted bowl that tapers gradually from the plump heel to the rim. Twin beadlines, rest just above the transition, drawing visual attention to the wider base, and therefore, the bowl's obvious upward taper.

The lengthy paneled shank curls out back, subtly, lifting upwards along its length, before giving way to a saddle stem of jet-black vulcanite, which makes a light downturn for a comfortable smoking posture. Besides adding a touch of fluidity to the overall composition, the shank provides some firm, muscular lines that offset the rounded qualities of the bowl in profile. Mummert showcases his impressive talent in the blasting cabinet with this piece's finish. The light-depth sandblast draws out stunning waves of growth rings across all sides of the bowl, while the smoldering orange and black contrast stain provides the stummel with a touch of warmth and vibrancy.