American Estates: Scott Klein Smooth Tomato with Boxwood (Signature) (2017) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

Scott Klein has rendered a number of Tomatoes over the years, and he has a masterful way of producing the shape so that the impressive breadth of the bowl is balanced throughout the composition, even when the overall proportions are fairly compact and tightly knit. The American carver accomplishes this by widening the transition and shank to mirror the expanse of the bowl and angling the shank in a way that produces very little negative space. This Signature-graded rendition displays that visually harmonious shaping style, and it highlights its consistent undercurve with a teardrop line that descends from the fore of the bowl, crosses under the heel, and terminates at the semi-lenticular shank face. From end to end, the entirety of the design measures less than five inches in length, and it is appropriately lightweight in hand, with the broad bowl and its soft contours offering plenty of space for wrapping fingers. It's presented in a mahogany smooth finish that highlights fine strands of flame grain across the flanks of the bowl and pinpricks of birdseye across the rim. A boxwood accent adorns the shank face and provides a touch of warmth to the design for further visual appeal. Presented unsmoked.