Alexey Kharlamov Partially Sandblasted Pot with Faux Bamboo (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

Alexey Kharlamov is a Russian artisan that also works as a wood-carver and sculptor and was eventually inspired to carve pipes of his own after having smoked them since 1998. Alexey's an unbelievably talented pipe maker with a keen eye for detail and goes to extreme lengths to finish a pipe with precise execution. He's well-known for his Briar Corn Cob designs as well as his scaly, incredibly detailed Iguana pipes. Here, however, Kharlamov presents a relatively reserved and compact piece, yet not without its own fascinating details. Shape-wise, the bowl is rather squat and stout, dressed in a well-executed sandblast that has brought out crisp, tight waves of ring grain. The smooth polished rim's light chestnut stain provides some subtle visual and textural contrast. What's most impressive here is how the shank is carved to emulate the look of bamboo, Alexey even taking the time to carve out the individual nodes around each knuckle. The stem itself wears one of the two knuckles of "faux" bamboo and is reinforced by a metal tenon. It's an undeniably cool piece and is presented here in unsmoked condition. And seeing as this is the first pipe we've ever seen from Kharlamov, it's safe to say he's made quite a memorable impression.