Misc. Estates: Wojtek Pastuch Sandblasted Bent Apple Tobacco Pipe

Polish artisan Wojtek Pastuch has made quite a name for himself in the pipe-making world, and his pieces sell quickly after being displayed. One of his country's few professional carvers, he counts Tom Eltang and the Danish style of shaping, among others, as an influence.

This is a sandblasted pipe from Pastuch, figuring in with his portfolio of pipes that are in mostly sandblasted or smooth finishes. Indeed, Danish design cues are prevalent in this bent Apple, the supple curves comprising the plump bowl resulting in a voluptuous fit in hand. A smoothly stained, chamfered rim further softens the form and aids in the loading of favored blends into the broad chamber, while the firm heel remains rather slender. The bowl is poised independently of the gradually flaring shank as it extends from the cheeking flanks near the transition. It's then topped by a jet-black, stylish stem that's domed at its base, continuing the bustling expansion of the shank face. This pipe, as previously mentioned, is wearing a pronounced, earthy sandblast, providing plenty of textural and visual delight.