Sven Lar (Michael Kabik) C Smooth Freehand Estate Briar Pipe, American Estates

Description

Sven Lar was the name used by a workshop headed by American freehand carver Michael Kabik. Kabik got his start as one of the earliest freehand carvers in the United States, working for CHP-X Pipes, owned by Chuck Holiday, in the early-1970s. After CHP-X was forced to close, Kabik was approached with the offer of heading a new workshop in Virginia, which ultimately took on the name Sven Lar. As with many American freehand carvers, Kabik was especially influenced by the greats of Danish post-war pipe-making, including Anne Julie, who spent time with Kabik, passing on the techniques of the trade.

While Sven Lar’s output was relatively typical of the nascent American freehand scene, it’s generally clear from the workshop’s output that Kabik was trained as a sculptor before turning to pipes. This Sven Lar, for example, has an almost vase-like figure, combining the rugged, naturalistic shaping that we’ve come to associate with the freehand genre with a fluted, slightly ornate design—especially when taking into account that it’s also a sitter.

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

 

Details:

Length: 6.6″ / 167.6mm

Bowl Width: 1.08 / 27.43mm

Bowl Depth: 2.04″ / 51.81mm

Weight: 2.8oz / 82g