American Estates: Adam Davidson Smooth Bent Dublin (Gotoh Shop) (2016) Tobacco Pipe

Even as a child, Adam Davidson was fascinated by pipes, recalling memories of pipes on antique store shelves and in black-and-white movies. The allure of pipes never faded for Davidson, and shortly after earning a degree in Industrial Design, he began his career as a pipe maker. Today, Davidson is one of the most acclaimed American artisans, producing everything from avant-garde Freehands to archetypal shapes that all showcase his unique, signature style. Davidson places a premium on internal engineering, ensuring even his wildest pieces are sublime smokers. During Adam Davidson's visit to Kei-ichi Gotoh in Japan, he earnestly anticipated the opportunity to observe Gotoh's craftsmanship. His request was granted, and he had the privilege of witnessing Gotoh's methodology as he transformed a block of briar into a Gotoh design. This experience was an item of considerable significance for Davidson, as he regards it as a fulfillment of a personal aspiration: to observe a master craftsman at work in their environment. As evident by its stamping, this particular bent Dublin was crafted by Davidson in 2016 in Gotoh's shop, and takes inspiration from the Japanese artisan's fluid, gestural designs. The bowl is canted forward dramatically while its supple curves and overhanging rim make it pleasing in hand. The rim carries the majority of this piece's visual heft, displaying a handsome sea of birdseye that swirls into a stretch of textured plateau. A wide transition gives way to a thick shank that matches the bowl's dramatic flare, the face is dome, perfectly accepting a bent stem of black vulcanite. A thick expansion ring sits at the base of the stem, mirroring the shank face. The overall dynamic stance, free-flowing shaping, and craggy paleatu rim make for a handsome piece of organic-inspired pipe making. The color palette of this piece is traditional, with a chestnut stain that highlights lovely birdseye along the flanks of the bowl and shank.