American Estates: J. Alan Smooth Acorn with Ivorite (1735) (2021) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

American artisan Jeff Gracik of J. Alan pipes, at the beginning of his career, made journeys to learn from master pipe makers like Tonni Nielsen. He learned a great deal about the functionality and artistry required to craft a truly refined smoking instrument, and since starting his career some years ago, Gracik's pipes have become some of the most sought after pieces by discerning collectors the world over. While clearly indebted to the organic shaping of the Danish tradition, Gracik's pipes have become something entirely their own, elevated by the American carver's keen eye for gorgeous finishes and playful line work.

A particularly dynamic take on the Acorn shape, this piece features a tall, forward-canted bowl that's balanced at the fore of a sweeping shank-and-stem arrangement. The bowl flares form its firm, rearward-slanted heel to its broad, rounded rim, producing a high-set waistline and supple curves along the shape's chamber walls. Out back, the shank kicks high from the low-set transition and steeply curved demurely saddle stem of jet-black vulcanite. The cheeked transition demarcates the bowl from the shank, creating a subtle visual break that allows each end of the composition to be appreciated on its own terms. A warm auburn finish dresses the stummel and highlights some gorgeous flame grain and birdseye around the bowl, while a band of ivorite adorns the stem base and adds a touch of vibrancy to the shape in profile.