Misc. Estates: Konstantin Shekita Smooth Tomato Tobacco Pipe

Konstantin Shekita's line work is always extraordinary, though this Tomato keeps things quite subtle in its execution. Its attraction lies in the soft roundness of the bowl, the sleek line along the underside, and the cleanness of the half-saddle stem. The combination makes for a piece that feels utterly round and soft in hand, its abbreviated length and broad shank keeping things both fairly light, despite its muscular stature, as well as making enough room to rest one's finger along the barely-perceptible transition. It speaks to Shekita's sense of organicism mixed with structure, and his ultimate skill with shaping, though the finish is nothing to scoff at — warm and dark, it highlights the briar's fine lines of flame grain, without being overt enough to disturb the understated appearance of the shaping or smoothness of the form.