Werner Mummert: Sandblasted Hawkbill Tobacco Pipe

Werner Mummert's portfolio ranges from eclectic, innovative designs to slightly more reserved pieces, with this Hawkbill among the latter. The iconic shape dates back to late 19th century France, later becoming a mainstay of Italian pipe making, and is here rendered in fine stead by the German artisan.

Rather than a de rigueur Apple bowl, Mummert has crafted a Brandy-like bowl, its low waistline and easy taper to the rim rather Danish in design, the supple curves creating a voluptuous in-hand feel. The rising oval shank and droop of the saddle stem give the shape its famous aquiline design, with framing crisp ridgelines on either side showing off the artisan's exemplary line work. This piece is wearing one of Mummert's pronounced, grain-defining sandblasts, highlighting gorgeous growth rings and lending loads of textural appeal, with a trim band of lightly polished briar at the shank end providing a contrasting accent. Adding additional flourish is the jet-black, vulcanite stem, as it's enhanced by streaks of nearly indiscernible brass colors for a playful disposition.