Sandblasted Rhodesian with Silver Tobacco Pipe

Jens "Tao" Nielsen is one of the most respected names in Danish pipe making, with over 50 years of experience in the craft. Tao originally was a sailor, spending much of his life at sea, and that experience influenced how he approaches shaping, often favoring lightweight, compact designs that are perfect for travel. He eventually gave up sailing when he met his wife and took a job as an assistant at Wilhelm Jørgensen's tobacco shop. It was there that he met Erik Nørding, who offered Tao an apprenticeship, where he learned how to craft pipes instead of just selling them. He met Poul Ilsted in Nørding's workshop, and the two eventually left to establish the Svendborg brand in 1970. After 11 years, the brand disbanded, with the founding carvers deciding to focus on crafting artisanal pipes under their own names. This Rhodesian shape showcases the Danish carver's aesthetically rich design sense and charismatic, handsome finish work.

This piece possesses the form's characteristic wrapping beadlines that demarcate the domed, softly inflated rim from the rest of the bowl. The bowl tapers gradually to a sweeping heel that carries momentum into the flared, oval shank and half-saddle stem of cumberland. The brindled tones of the mouthpiece perfectly complement the low-profile, ruby-tinged sandblast that dresses the stummel. The sandblast accentuates the natural grain orientation of the briar, coaxing out whispers of growth rings across the flanks of the bowl. A sterling silver band marks the junction between shank and stem, providing the composition with a dose of regal flash. This piece's curvaceous, plump form comes in compact, Nosewarmer proportions. coming in well under five inches in length, making it easily portable and lightweight. Charming, sleek, and elegant, this piece will make a welcome addition to any collector's rotation, especially for those with an appreciation for refined, Danish shaping.