AKB Meerschaum: Lattice Bent Billiard (Mutlu) (with Case and Tamper) Tobacco Pipe

Holding a bowl more than two and a half inches tall and coming in at more than six inches long, this is not a compact piece from Mutlu of AKB Meerschaum, though it is quite a striking one. A stylish saddle stem of shimmering cobalt hues ebbs out of a trim, domed shank here and takes on a demure downturn at the bit for comfortable smoking, the sharp upward angle of the shank lending it a welcome verticality that is even with the bowl's rim. Said bowl is Brandy-like in its rounded taper to that rim and presents with a charming fullness of form and chubby waistline that's rich with curvature and promises comfort in the hand. These walls act as fantastic canvasses to showcase a painstakingly detailed lattice carving which leaves rounded, diamond-shaped hollows surrounded by organic lines. An off-white stain dresses the stummel here, lending it a touch of color but leaving plenty of room for future patination as it is smoked. For added value, this piece comes complete with a handsome tamper that matches the carving of the stummel.