Poul Hansen Smooth Volcano / Ukulele Estate Briar Pipe, Danish Estates

Description

Denmark’s Poul Hansen was originally a toolmaker and machinist, which by chance led him to the now-legendary pipe workshops of Pibe Dan and WO Larsen. Hansen soon ended up as a student of one of the godfathers of Danish artisan pipe-making, Sixten Ivarsson. Hansen would go on to work for Stanwell, including making many of their freehand pipes, while also creating artisan pipes under his own name. For the latter he would achieve considerable success, with some of his pipes selling for the equivalent of $4000 in today’s money. Poul Hansen retired from pipe-making in 1998.

Sometimes the influence of the master on a student is subtle, while other times it is profoundly evident. Take this volcano from Poul Hansen: it is squat, almost unfathomably broad, and has a veritable field of bird’s-eye grain on its base, with flame grain swirling around the bowl. Hansen was one of the unsung Danish masters, so the quality is to be expected. But the shape? I’d say that’s Ivarsson’s doing. Hansen carved the pipe, of course, but it was Sixten Ivarsson who gave the pipe world the “Ukulele.” Ivarsson’s was similarly wide and “squashed” in appearance, though in this instance it seems as though Hansen was trying to outdo his teacher, exaggerating these features yet further still to create something even more unique. I’d say he succeeded.

The condition is great. Some very minor inner rim darkening, but overall very well looked after.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 1.00 / 25.40mm

Bowl Depth: 1.28″ / 32.51mm

Weight: 4.3oz / 122g