Michail Kyriazanos Smooth Billiard (2023) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

Greek artisan Michail Kyriazanos began carving pipes in 2010 and immediately found success, primarily due to his signature style. Kyriazanos draws on Ancient Greek history for aesthetic inspiration, such as the Cycladic art figurines that he incorporated into a symbolic stamp. Kyriazanos' approach to pipe-making is defined by minimalism, as he prioritizes function over superfluous flourishes. His artistic tenets lend themselves to traditional shapes, which he often crafts, but manifest just as handsomely on his creative Freehands.

A classic piece from Michail Kyriazanos, this Billiard is a compact yet muscular rendition of the shape. The bowl's plump walls fit nimbly between two fingers, but its robust demeanor ensures the in-hand feel is quite hearty. Out back, a cheeked transition leads to a rounded shank that gently tapers to the junction, where the stem takes a more pronounced dive to the bit, manifesting a sleek look in profile. Additionally, the stummel is dressed in a smooth, smoky, auburn finish, highlighting thick streaks of vertical grain on the bowl, while tightly-packed birdseye runs the length of the underside.