Smooth Paneled Bent Apple with Horn (2817) Tobacco Pipe

While the perfect Danish neoclassical shaping of this paneled bent Apple is certainly striking, what I appreciate most about this piece from Kurt Balleby is its details. The way the edges of each of its various facets frame a certain section of the grain is one example. How each of those same ridges line up so effortlessly with those of the paneled shank is another. Then there's the double horn accents along the shank end and stem base; Kurt actually crafted them from the same piece of horn (which he actually sourced from Mimmo), thus ensuring the patterns match and line up beautifully, lending a firm sense of continuity to the composition overall. If you've been searching for a Kurt Balleby briar, this is just a gorgeous example of the carver's work. Recommended.

- Andrew Wike