Wojtek Pastuch: Smooth Tomato (1322) Tobacco Pipe

Polish artisan Wojtek Pastuch takes inspiration from pipe-making schools the world over, though his key stylistic influences seem rooted in the Japanese and Danish traditions. The compact build of this Tomato and its supple, delightful curvature display its similarities to pipes from the latter school, complete with a measured, intentional, and remarkably detailed construction. Though not quite a Noswearmer, this pipe measures in at well under five inches long, making it an incredibly handy pipe perfect for travel carry: its utility is further emphasized by an impressively light weight. An apt clencher despite its straight build, this pipe boasts an impressive degree of substance at its bowl, where a pert bulb of briar forms with thick, supple walls. These walls stand atop a rounded heel and expand slightly toward a low-set waistline before taking on an arcing taper to the broad, plateau-crowned rim. Said rim's wreath of plateau is rather trim thanks to a steep chamfer on the interior, working with the curves of the walls to create a wrapping, asymmetrical strip that organically draws the eye to the fore. A wide transition out back gives way to an extremely trim shank that flares slowly toward a pronounced ridgeline, one that gives way to a domed face met by a short saddle stem of richly patterned cumberland. The base of this stem is carved with an expansion ring whose breadth almost exactly matches the breadth of the shank end's ridge, creating an eye-catching area of negative space that draws the eye back from the bowl while keeping it the center of attention: this subtle shaping element elevating this pipe significantly. Dressed in a warm, rich contrast stain and a glossy smooth finish, the stummel here showcases stunning grain, the squat, broad walls of the bowl wrapped with flame grain, while the underside is peppered with a wealth of birdseye.