American Estates: Thomas James Rusticated Bent Egg (2016) Tobacco Pipe

Thomas James' stylistic range is quite impressive, comprising all profiles from avant-garde and evocative to proudly classic, with this particular bent Egg example looking quite handsomely Danish. The shank here ebbs out from a cheeked transition, flaring gently in profile and strikingly at the flanks to create a look that's simultaneously svelte and robust, all in a compact package. The end of the shank is marked with a single wrapping beadline that adds a touch of visual intrigue to the composition, and the face is domed, meeting the base of an expansion-ring-fitted saddle stem. Said stem is lifted aerially slightly thanks to the shank's slight upturn, and the stem itself is curved for both comfortable smoking and a touch of elegance in profile. The bowl here is quite plump, with rounded, supple walls that are extremely comfortable in hand, canted forward and sitting on a sweeping heel that makes the build look rather firm, though still imbues it with a bit of forward dynamism. The rim is dipped at the flanks, the droop continuing an inward slope that should allow for easy loading of your favorite blend. Dressing the briar here is a soft rustication and an inky black stain which affords this pipe a serious, understated look that allows you to focus entirely on its lovely shaping.