Master of Danish Pipe Making
Jens Tao Nielsen
From sailor to master pipemaker, Jens “Tao” Nielsen’s journey is one of passion and craftsmanship. After years at sea and a stint in the military, he found his calling in Wilhelm Jorgensen’s Copenhagen pipe shop, later apprenticing under Erik Nording. In 1970, he co-founded Svendborg, but soon pursued independent artistry.
Today, Tao is a leading Danish pipemaker, known for his sturdy, compact designs influenced by his maritime past. His pipes feature broad silver shank bands and classic vulcanite, cumberland, or amber-colored acrylic stems. Occasionally collaborating under Tao & Ilsted, he continues to shape the legacy of fine Danish pipemaking
