American Estates: J. Alan Smooth Tulip with Horn (521) (2011) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

One of America's most renowned carvers, Jeff Gracik, the man behind J. Alan pipes, began his pipe-making career with a pair of briar blocks and some pre-formed stems. On the floor of his in-law's kitchen, Gracik set to work carving his first two pipes with simple hand tools. That experience inspired him to further pursue the craft. Gracik has since become an artisan carver of international renown, and his pipes are widely praised for their sophisticated engineering and refined shaping.

This Tulip is a handsome showcase of Gracick's style, offering a supple silhouette that's at once languid and dynamic. Standing atop a lifted heel, the curvaceous bowl flares into a broad, plateau-crowned rim and takes on a forward-ebbing posture that immediately draws the eye. An upturned shank brings up the rear and quickly gives way to a horn ferrule. Said ferrule, mirroring the build of the bowl, flares outward to a demurely curved saddle stem of jet-black vulcanite. The horn's dark coloration complements the stem's complexion and offers a shimmering vibrancy to the shape's otherwise traditional color palette. A warm smooth finish dresses the stummel and highlights some truly stunning flame grain across the flanks of the bowl. Unsmoked.