American Estates: Jody Davis Smooth Tomato (Bishop) (B23) (63) (2023) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

Jody Davis, in addition to being an accomplished musician, is also a venerated pipe maker who fashions some of the finest briars in the world. Like many American artisans, Davis tends to fashion relatively compact designs that emphasize muscular proportions over length, something true of this Tomato as well, its under five inches of reach balanced by its sturdy, reassuring heft in hand.

Shape-wise, this piece pairs a broad bowl to an upturned shank and a demurely curved saddle stem, the latter of which promotes a comfortable smoking posture. The bowl here boasts a subtle taper from its wide heel to its taut rim, with said taper producing supple contours and a low-set waistline that conforms naturally to the hand. The bowl's curvaceous build is mirrored by the shank-and-stem arrangement, whose elegant arc lends a pronounced gesture to the shape's silhouette. A warm, smooth finish completes the ensemble and highlights gorgeous flame grain across the bowl and shank alike.