Misc. Estates: Grechukhin Partially Sandblasted Blowfish (Collaboration with J. Alan) (2015) Tobacco Pipe

The Grechukhin/J. Alan collaboration isn't a new venture; the talented artisans have actually come together for many years now to share ideas and create some very beautiful collaboration pieces. This particular Blowfish is actually one they produced together back in 2015. Compared to the others, it fits in more with the style they were playing with that year. There's the pronounced asymmetry, for one thing, with the diagonal cross-section of the bowl not only making for a great visual aesthetic, but also allowing for a more comfortable feel in hand — with the softer, smoother contours of the right flank fitting nicely to the curves of the palm. Then there's the stark contrast of the dual finish, bringing out some stunning blasted birdseye while also highlighting the block's bold cross grain along the faced off panel of the top and underside. All in all, it really is an exceptional piece, one well-suited to a variety of tastes and styles.