American Estates: Todd Johnson Smooth Matador (Phalanx) Tobacco Pipe

Todd Johnson is one of North America's premier carvers, and his work is widely heralded as some of the finest in the world. For over 20 years, Johnson has devoted himself to the craft, and his years of experience are evident in every pipe he makes. But Johnson didn't come to the craft fully formed. No, even though Johnson had a background in woodworking when he first started, he spent a great deal of time studying the intricacies and nuances of pipe making. In fact, Johnson spent time with the great Tom Eltang and Lars Ivarsson, honing his skills and learning everything the Danish legends had to teach. Now, Johnson pays it forward by teaching up-and-coming pipe makers about the craft, passing down the knowledge he accrued to the next generation of greats.

Though Johnson has crafted several Matador pieces in the past, each iteration has varied wildly in terms of build, with their only unifying element being their organic flourishes and fluid line work. This particular rendition boasts a trumpeting, Dublin-like appearance, offering a tall bowl that flares dramatically outward from its taut, sure-sitting heel to it broad, plateau-crowned rim. From its seated position, the bowl possesses a dynamic, forward-ebbing stance that's accentuated by the shank and stem's vertical, check mark-like posture. The shank and stem's acrobatic construction balances the form with an easy-going gesture, all while promoting a comfortable smoking position.

As one would expect from a Johnson pipe, especially one that boasts his esteemed Phalanx grade, the grain on display here is simply mesmerizing, with tight strands of flame rising in conjunction with the bowl's upward flare. Said grain is dressed in a warm, auburn-hued smooth finish that beautifully highlights the windswept strands that traverse all side of the bowl. Mirroring the bowl, neat flame grain streaks across the shank, drawing the eye to the plateau along the shank's face. A gorgeous composition through and through, this Matador is sure to become the centerpiece of a pipe enthusiast's collection.