Smooth Pot with Masur Birch (Nautilus) Tobacco Pipe

With such a well-defined, streamlined display of geometry, coupled with a subtle sense of lift about the heel, this Dublin-like Pot shape from Gabriele dal Fiume evokes the look of pieces I've seen from certain Danish carvers, specifically Jess Chonowitsch. There's just something about that combination of softly-inflated rim, freckled with birdseye, coupled with a succinctly-tucked transition and rounded, streamlined trail of shank and stem that really works to lend the shape a classic disposition, though with a touch of playfulness to boot. And the finish keeps things rather lively too, being a vibrant contrast highlighting a dance of evenly-oriented flame on all flanks. It's all complemented by a generous mount of pale, shimmering masur birch just to drive the point home. An excellent piece here.

- Daniel Bumgardner