American Estates: J. Alan Smooth Blowfish (611) (2011) Tobacco Pipe

Jeff Gracik of J. Alan Pipes has earned a worldwide reputation for his distinctive creations, blending the curvaceous, gestural shaping of Danish designs with the compact, muscular feel of American pipe making. This Blowfish is a prime example of J. Alan's craftsmanship, showcasing these signature elements in Nosewarmer proportions. The stummel is defined by a set of crisp, uneven ridgelines that segment the composition, accentuating the bulbous flanks of the bowl, which are adorned with a stunning array of birdseye. The bowl itself is a perfect embodiment of the Blowfish shape, with supple, flowing flanks bisected by a prominent central panel. This panel wraps around the bowl, forming fin-like protrusions that jut out dramatically, overhanging the left flank of the bowl. The shank mirrors the bowl's dynamic shape, canting in a fin-like posture that highlights the high-kicking ridgeline underlining the stummel. This ridge rises boldly above the junction before flowing into a gently bent saddle stem of black vulcanite. Dressed in a rich, smooth finish, the stummel reveals a wealth of captivating grain, with swirls of birdseye throughout, making this J. Alan Blowfish a true work of art.