Wolfgang Becker: Smooth Bent Apple with Mammoth (Signature) (04.18) Tobacco Pipe

This stunning piece from Wolfgang Becker embodies many of the stylistic elements employed by the German carver. Though not one of his iconic Wasp shapes, the shank of this bent Apple does taper slightly into the transition, giving more prominence to both the shank end and bowl. Said bowl urges forward from out of the pinched transition, imbued with plenty of palm-filling plumpness. It also features some subtle asymmetry — a common motif within Becker's work — as the bowl's rotund waistline is slightly tilted, most notably present when this piece is rested comfortably in hand. At the shank end, then, Wolfgang has adorned the face with a well-sculpted piece of mammoth, the craggy texture of the accent matching well with the underside's dense sea of plateau. A stunning work of craftsmanship, the stummel is decorated in a vivid, honey-blonde stain and immaculate grain arrangement, all well-deserving of the carver's highest, Signature grade designation.