American Estates: J. Alan Smooth Pod with Mammoth (121) (2007) Tobacco Pipe

Jeff Gracik, the man behind J. Alan pipes, is an esteemed American carver that has garnered considerable praise for his work's sophisticated engineering and deft shaping. Gracik takes inspiration from the Danish school of design, and as such, his pipes tend to possess sleek, minimalist lines, supple curves, and an subtle organic character, all of which are present with this stunning Pod shape.

We've only seen a Pod from Gracik a couple of times in the past, and the shape itself is quite a rare one in general, being carved by precious few artisans, though always manifesting with similar, unique features. The shank here is lengthy and sleek, pinched toward the middle and flaring out to its end before being joined to a broad, asymmetrically flaring stem base marked by mammoth ivory, with a trim band of vulcanite separating the two organic materials. From here the stem starts proper, swiftly tapering to a slender saddle bit that keeps the aft side of this pipe quite streamlined, while drawing attention to the junction, thus balancing the visual weight well. Up front, the bowl sits atop one of the shape's signature elements: A sharply spurred heel that marks a flare to plump, robust walls that then taper to the rim. Said rim features a sweeping outline that rises sharply toward the aft side and comes to a sharp point, marking the start of a crisp ridgeline that descends from there to the transition, an implied line pushing through this area and starting a second ridge that flows from the heel to the stem base, further sharpening the outline of this piece. Dressed in a warm mahogany stain, the stummel here showcases some handsome grain throughout, with birdseye at either flank, while cross grain wraps the midsection and the pale mammoth accent lends rich contrast.