Danish Estates: Joao Reis Sandblasted Tadpole with Boxwood (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

Right off the bat, it's impressively clear the level of deft craftsmanship required to execute this one-of-a-kind piece, and it's a sure testament to Joao Reis's artisanal skill as a pipemaker.

To make this piece, the Portuguese carver has managed to render a slender, ever-tapering tail that extends from the bowl's heel and coils perfectly around the all-boxwood shank. It should be noted, too, that said tail is not attached in any way to the shank; rather, the precise measurements of the coils are flush with the diameter of the shank, only made possible by the hands of an incredibly skilled carver. On top of all that, Joao has dressed the bowl and tail with a dark, crisp sandblast, making for a surprisingly lightweight piece that feels amazing to hold and is simply a marvel to examine.