Smooth Volcano (Diamond) Tobacco Pipe

Diamond is Peter Heding's highest grade designation, marked by a Zirconia diamond near the nomenclature stamp. That this Volcano receives such a laurel ought not be a surprise. From the shaping to the grain, this piece is imbued with excellence. Especially notable is the shapes characteristic ridgeline, forming the base of the mountainous bowl and separating the heel from the rest of the piece. In this case, Peter has fashioned the ridgeline to curl seamlessly from fore to stem, continuing the line's arc even through the base of the half-saddle stem. Such a feature provides a consistent foundation, visually and literally, on top of which the rest of the shape can rest. As the bowl rises prominently, the ridgeline acts as the origin of the flanks' feathery flame grain while also distinguishing it from the underside's nebulous forest of birdseye, all accentuated by a vivid contrast stain that displays a vibrancy on par with Tom Eltang's (under whom Heding studied). It's absolutely exquisite work from the Danish carver and well deserving of his highest grade.