Danish Estates: Kent Rasmussen Smooth Freehand (Butterfly) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

The son of a handyman, Kent Rasmussen learned how to operate workshop tools from a young age, using his imagination to make some of his favorite childhood toys. He leveraged his mechanical knowledge to become a technical assistant in the construction business, later following his dream and becoming a modern artist. During his time as an artist, Rasmussen tried his hand at carving pipes, but only after meeting Teddy Knudsen did he decide to give pipe-making his full attention. Rasmussen sees every pipe as a piece of art and approaches carving much like creating a small sculpture, adroitly crafting each shape as the briar grain dictates. Despite his fixation on the aesthetic, Rasmussen also prioritizes function, ensuring all of his pipes are both works of art and exceptional smokers.

Every element of this Freehand by Kent Rasmussen, from the bowl to the shank to the stem, showcases asymmetry. At the bowl, the sharp heel forms the nadir of the piece and is positioned slightly toward the right and rear. This construction results in the walls on the fore and left flank dramatically arcing to the rim, while the right flank and aft present a more subdued ascension. Similarly, the rim presents irregular geometry as well, as the left fore displays a supple curvature compared to the other three crisp corners. Out back, the bent shank is framed on both flanks by sharp lines, while the underside features a third ridge that flows all the way from the transition to the bit in an acute S-curve. Additionally, the auburn smooth finish that dresses the stummel showcases exceptional grain; the walls present a perpendicular pattern of linear straight grain and undulating growth rings, whereas the broad rim abounds with delightful whorls of mesmerizing birdseye.