Wojtek Pastuch: Smooth Billiard with Horn (1101) Tobacco Pipe

Modern artisan pipe making often reflects Danish design cues, an understandable influence considering the artisan pipe-making movement began in Denmark with the likes of Sixten Ivarsson. Since that early era, though, the pipe-making world has shrunk considerably, with artisans fashioning pipes all across the globe and the internet providing a confluence of creative ideas and influences. That said, Danish pipe design remains a dominant style, even for carvers not from Denmark, and this Billiard from Polish artisan Wojtek Pastuch reflects that influence, with subtle differences applied by Pastuch's personal creativity.

Compared to English and French Billiard renditions, Danish-style versions tend to exhibit softer curves about the bowl's flanks and heel and a more noticeable taper toward the rim, often fitted to a more defined transition that emphasizes the lower bowl's curvature. Those aspects are well exemplified by this Billiard from Wojtek, but the Polish carver has dramatized the proportions for a distinct, eye-catching take on the form — the bowl tall and robust compared to the shank's much more slender demeanor. Furthermore, he's approached the stem slightly differently too: Instead of being fitted to a horn military mount, as the profile suggests, the domed accent of horn actually comprises the base of the vulcanite mouthpiece, fitted via a standard mortise-and-tenon arrangement. The creamy hues of the horn pair beautifully, then, with the stummel's rich, ruby stain, revealing a stunning array of cross grain and birdseye.