Smooth Long Shank Brandy with Silver (21) Tobacco Pipe

Though heavily based in the Danish tradition, I can't help but see a bit of Industrial Design in some of Li's compositions, often balancing out those graceful lines characteristic of the former with the powerful stance and clean style of the latter. In fact, this particular "Long Shank" Brandy reminds me of several modern American styles, particularly one of Adam Davidson's larger Lumberman designs, balancing out a compact, squared off bowl with a long, powerful style of shank and stem, lent a touch of dynamism through a subtle upward arc. Though given Li's roots in architectural design, this shouldn't come as much of a surprise.

Simply put, he's taken a traditional Danish form and lent it a far more modern style, defined by firm, yet elegant lines and an overall clean and lean sense of proportions. As with his shaping, Li's a perfectionist in his finishes as well, meticulously shaping a block to fit the grain and leaving behind nothing less than beautiful compositions.

- Andrew Wike