American Estates: Todd Johnson Smooth Bent Dublin (Hoplite) (2009) Tobacco Pipe

One of the most appealing aspects of bent pipes is a consistent undercurve that traverses through the bottom of the shank and heel and travels up the bowl's fore. Such a design cue is beautifully rendered in this bent Dublin from Todd Johnson. Accenting that undercurve is a diminutive heel spur, breaking up the line yet maintaining its implied trajectory. Echoing the bowl, the shank flares outward and terminates in dense plateau along the face, and the stem's recurve perfectly balances the shank's upward curl. Todd contrast stained the stummel in a dark, walnut hue to accentuate the briar's concise flame grain, making for a piece that showcases stunning shaping matched by stunning grain orientation.