Misc. Estates: Ping Zhan Smooth Blowfish Tobacco Pipe

Ping Zhan began his professional life as a software engineer, all the while dreaming of a fulfilling career as an artist until, after taking notice of pipes and pipe smoking, he found a way to express himself. He began carving in 2011 and is completely self-taught, taking inspiration from the Japanese and Danish schools of design, with this Blowfish stylistically reflecting the work of Hiroyuki Tokutomi and displaying an uncanny talent for precise shaping and clean lines.

The bowl on this piece is characterized by its balance of smooth curves and firm ridges, with a central ridge running along the fore and aft, with flowing, organically shaped flanks. Along the heel, the upper ridge breaks into asymmetrical panels, allowing the pipe to sit stably upright, and continue seamlessly past the transition and up the shank. Said shank is sleek and lithe, featuring an hexagonal cross-section that curves gently upward to meet an especially svelte vulcanite saddle stem. The briar is dressed in a rich auburn stain, highlighting perfectly oriented birdseye and cross grain, with the former resplendent across the flanks of the bowl, while the latter wraps around the midsection. This impressive piece is sure to become a favorite in any rotation.