Preben Holm Hand Cut 4 XL Smooth Freehand Estate Briar Pipe, Danish Estates

Description

Though he would tragically pass away at the age of 42, Preben Holm was one of the pioneering figures in the ‘Danish design’ movement in 20th century pipe-making – a movement that still dominates the high-grade pipe scene. By hand-shaping his pipes on a belt sander, Holm was able to make the most of the patterns of grain hidden within briar, creating spectacular works of pipe art that looked just as good as they smoked. Owing to Holm’s untimely passing, his pipes are even more highly sought after than they were during his lifetime.

Though today he is most associated with wild, freeform creations, Preben Holm was far from averse to traditional shapes. In fact, he even had a separate series of pipes, aptly named “Traditional,” which were indeed closer to Anglo-French designs, while maintaining a distinctly Danish flair. Even pipes outside of this series, such as the Majestic line he made for Ben Wade, often leaned closer to pre-war conventions than might be expected. Pipes like this one are excellent illustrations of how Holm was able to straddle the traditional/modern divide, beginning as it does as a reserved, bent apple, before transforming into something altogether different and more avant-garde as it progresses from bowl to shank, and shank to stem.

The condition is very good. Minor rim darkening and slight handling marks.

 

Details:

Length: 7″ / 177.8mm

Bowl Width: 0.88 / 22.35mm

Bowl Depth: 1.51″ / 38.35mm

Weight: 2.3oz / 66g