Partially Sandblasted Bent Bulldog with Horn Tobacco Pipe

Enamored with woodworking from an early age, as much of his childhood was spent in the workshop of his grandfather, Brazilian artisan Luiz Lavos' gravitation toward pipe making was inspired by his uncle, who was an avid enthusiast of pipes. His path in this regard was additionally influenced by his experience with graphic design, allowing him to create innovative and unique designs, many of which are rooted in the classic Danish tradition. This kind of Danish leaning was reinforced through his time spent with Hans "Former" Nielsen, who taught him finishing techniques and further reinforced his already palpable talent.

The Bulldog, in either straight or bent configurations, is a shape seldom seen within Lavos' portfolio, and one that we've only seen on site a single time before. This bent iteration is the first of its kind that we've seen from the artisan, and it showcases a look that's utterly singular in silhouette, one which displays an understated sinuousness and uniquely balanced construction. What pulls the eye here most readily is the shank-and-stem combination, setting the focal point of this pipe near the aft in a surprising redistribution of visual weight. The shank itself is a short, diamond-shaped length of briar that tapers out of a tight transition and meets a lengthy extension of horn, one which lifts gently and flares to a broad, slightly domed face that's inlaid with a band of brass. Here, a thick, diamond-shaped stem push-fits to the mount and takes on a slight downturn to the button, the negative space between the shank and stem and the pair's broad shaping affording the duo a clear set of implied connecting lines. Up front, the bowl stands atop a sweeping heel and grows dramatically flaring walls that are broader than they are tall, coming to their widest point at a mid-set waist here marked with a crisp ridgeline. The lower bowl and the shank are both sandblasted, showcasing some rippling grain, while the upper bowl displays a vibrant contrast stain that reveals dense swirls of birdseye: its tones contrasting richly with the sandblast's dark stain and the horns pale hues.