Smooth Volcano with Mammoth Tobacco Pipe

Mike Sebastian Bay's pipe-making career began thanks to a chance meeting with Tom Eltang after trying to find someone to repair his father's pipes in Copenhagen. Mike and Tom hit things off right away, and soon after, Bay began to apprentice part time in Eltang's workshop, gradually learning the essentials when it comes to crafting high-quality artisan pipes. Though Bay's work features some of Eltang's influence, he's developed his own unique style with each new pipe reflecting his creative vision and meticulous craftsmanship. This Volcano is an excellent example of Bay's penchant for whimsical and strongly gestural shapes.

The forward-urging bowl is particularly impressive in terms of its shaping and grain orientation, with tight streaks of vertical grain emerging from the firm ridgeline that wraps around the bowl's base. The grain rises upward with the bowl's tapering flanks, while the slightly slanted rim further accentuates the sense of implied momentum this composition displays. The bowl's near side seamlessly slopes downward to meet the gently curving shank with the saddle stem continuing the shank's trajectory. The stem base is notably accented by a striking band of mammoth, marking the first time we've seen Bay utilize the medium on one of his pipes. Its pale coloration wonderfully contrasts the stummel's warm, rich contrast stain, making this piece even more visually captivating.