Smooth Asymmetric Volcano with Boxwood Tobacco Pipe

Asymmetry is a theme commonly explored in artisanal pipe making, cropping up across a number of schools from organic Japanese naturalism to the more sculptural, flourishing style of the Fancy Freehand craze. Tonni Nielsen has his own way of incorporating asymmetry into his designs as well, a feature readily on display in this gorgeous Volcano.

While keeping to a fluid style in profile, Tonni has oriented the rim diagonally atop the bowl, shaping it into an eye-like teardrop with fluting lines cascading down the left and right flanks, as well as the fore. This diagonal orientation, paired with a slight pinch in the cross-section, actually makes for a more natural fit in hand, with that eye shaped upper bowl just fitting perfectly to the contours of the palm. Further emphasizing the asymmetry here, it even sits, leaning slightly to the left with neither heel nor stem touching the desk.

The most impressive part about the piece, however, is how seamlessly Tonni combined all these elements together into a cohesive, beautiful design — finished in a warm walnut and blonde contrast and engulfed in bold, fiery licks of flame.

- Andrew Wike