Smooth Paneled Bent Brandy with Petrified Bone Tobacco Pipe

Tonni Nielsen is just such an expert when it comes to the execution of clean, elegant lines. While this penchant is on display in many of his sweeping, sinuous designs, his deft skill is perhaps most evident in these paneled pieces. The bowl itself has been lent eight soft, rounded panels, which together with the broader style of waistline really work to emphasize the budding form of the bowl — as well as highlight the outline of the overall silhouette. These panels extend into the upward sweeping shank as well, with twin lines along the underside also working to reinforce the shape's clean profile, while further allowing the pipe to sit quite neatly balanced as well. Tonni's allowed this beautiful line-work to really speak for itself here, finishing the piece in a reserved, dark, chestnut-tinged stain — accented only by an exotic inlay of petrified bone.

- Andrew Wike