Misc. Estates: Wojtek Pastuch Sandblasted Horn (1005) Tobacco Pipe

A dramatically curling and compact Horn interpretation, this rendition from Wojtek Pastuch showcases the Polish artisan's ability to put his own unique spin on traditional shapes. The deep, low-set transition creates negative space in profile to draw focus to the muscular bowl as well as the graceful upward arc of the saddle stem while also providing ample space to act as a thumb rest. The shaping of the rim is a fascinating element, displaying a hint of asymmetry with its back portion coming to a subtle point and sloping softly to the right side when viewed from the smoker's perspective. Such shaping is echoed by the stem's offset base, making the overall design more cohesive and showcasing the close attention Pastuch pays to his designs.

One aspect of Wojtek's work I particularly admire is his sandblasted finishes. They manage to be simultaneously wild yet well-defined in execution, unveiling fascinating grain patterns that are visually and texturally pleasing, The sandblast on this pipe is among the craggiest I've encountered from Pastuch and is something I'd expect to see on vintage English pipes from the mid-20th century. Vertically oriented waves of grain ripple across the bowl's flanks, the stummel's gnarly texture warranting appreciation whenever this pipe is held. Pastuch has then simply accented this piece by chamfering the innermost portion of the rim and staining it a rich ruby hue, complementing the deep crimson tones displayed by the raised peaks of the sandblast.