Sandblasted Pear with Masur Birch Tobacco Pipe

In something of a return to a more pipe-centric style, Kent Rasmussen's most recent work has focused on forms of a more conservative, less sculptural nature. It's not quite a departure, per se, but more of a shifting of priorities — using lines and proportions to complement a certain shape, rather than transforming it into a sculpture in-and-of-itself. We see that transition readily on display in this Pear, featuring a smooth Danish sense of flow from rim to shank end, with an Ivarsson-esque teardrop line further highlighting that sweeping gesture along the underside.

Along with this return to more conservative designs, we've also seen the resurgence of his expert sandblasted finishes. Simply put, until recently, we hadn't received a sandblasted pipe from Kent in over four years. A shame really, as Kent has a masterful hand in the blasting cabinet — as the perfectly oriented ring grain on this piece no doubt suggests.

- Andrew Wike