Holz und Hobel

Sing, O Muse, of the craftsman in his workshop—my friend and companion in the household, as I watched him labor at his art. I could not help but be awed by the sheer level of skill and craftsmanship that went into each and every one of his bassoon mouthpieces, those instruments that give voice to music as the Muses gave voice to song.
Close-up of scattered, tangled keys in black and white.
With hands as deft as those of Daedalus the artisan, and with unwavering attention to detail as sharp as the eyes of an eagle, he worked tirelessly to shape each piece to perfection, honing and refining every curve and angle until it was just right, as Hephaestus himself hammers and refines his divine creations.
Five bamboo sticks in various stages of being hollowed out on a workbench, with tools nearby.
I marveled at the intricate process of creation, from the selection of the raw materials provided by the earth itself, to the delicate shaping and polishing that gave each piece its unique character and voice, as each warrior's shield bore its own distinctive patterns and glory.
Stacked, open books with visible pages, creating a wave-like pattern. Black and white photograph.
It was clear that my friend took great pride in his work, and that his passion for his craft—like the fire that burns in the belly of a dragon—was what drove him to create such beautiful and highly sought-after pieces, prized by musicians as the armor of Achilles was prized by heroes.
Two black bottles with white labels reading "Tinct. Rhei aquos." and "Tinct. aromatic."
As I watched him work, I could not help but be struck by this thought: that in a world where so much is mass-produced by machines and discarded without care, there remains still a place for true craftsmanship and the time-honored traditions of the past, those ancient arts passed down from master to apprentice since the days of old.
A vintage camera on a wooden workbench with scattered tools and debris, black and white.
In my friend's workshop, I witnessed a dedication to quality and a commitment to excellence that was truly inspiring, and I knew that his mouthpieces would continue to be treasured by musicians and collectors alike for many years to come, as the works of ancient craftsmen are treasured in the halls of kings.
Hand in glove operating a machine with visible gears and bolts, black and white.
Close-up of a caliper measuring tool on a workshop surface, black and white.
Bamboo stick with wrapped end, standing on weathered wooden surface.
Hand adjusting a desk lamp with a white lampshade, casting light on a blurred clock face in the background.
Close-up of an old rifle with a scope, showing detailed parts and worn wooden stock.
A pair of hands using a tool in a dimly lit workshop, with tools and debris on the floor.
Hands carefully threading a needle with white thread in a dimly lit room, black and white.