German Estates: Rainer Barbi Smooth Blowfish (C) (TF) (2002) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

Rainer Barbi began carving pipes in 1974, learning the art independently through experimentation and trial-and-error. Eventually, Barbi became the foremost pipe maker in Germany with his work being sought after by smokers around the world. Barbi's pipes are commonly dressed in vibrant, bright stains that showcase exquisite grain that are complemented by understated hardwood accents. Sadly, Barbi passed away in 2011, leaving behind a legendary pipe making legacy.

This Blowfish by Rainer Barbi is a robust rendition of the shape, the towering bowl filling the hand while the curling shank provides a proportional counterbalance. Paired to the shank is a sleek saddle stem of black vulcanite which, in concert with the high-kicking shank, offers a comfortable smoking posture and easy jaw-hanging ability. Furthermore, the underside of the piece features a wrapping strip of cross grain that is framed by two ridgelines, while a similar stretch descends along the aft from the rim to the transition. These ridges also serve to delineate the flanks: the curvaceous left flank showcases a scattershot of birdseye whorls along its broad form, whereas the sharp, defined right flank frames a smaller, more tightly-packed swath of birdseye. Therefore, when viewed in profile, the left flank makes this piece appear like a bent Egg, but the right displays a bevy of sharp, Blowfish ridges. The stummel is dressed in a warm, orange-tinged finish which grants it a lively palette that's tempered slightly by the black stem, culminating in a look that's both classic and contemporary.