Alexander Tupitsyn: Partially Sandblasted Bent Dublin with Palmwood Tobacco Pipe

A bent Dublin rendition we've seen a few times before from Alexander Tupitsyn, this pipe hybridizes the Dublin and Bulldog shapes, combining the upward flaring bowl of the former with the structured paneling of the latter. It features the diamond shank of a Bulldog but with the flanking ridgelines actually composed of trim panels, and the bottom edges travel through the bowl's base for added structure. In profile, that added structure resembles the characteristic aspects of a Volcano (but with the bowl flaring instead of tapering), and it features a striking point at the fore. Said architectural design cues, however, are beautifully contrasted by the shank and stem's fluid S-curve, the angles of each arc oppositionally directed yet equal in degree of turn for expert balance.

When viewed from the side, the bowl's height dominates the visual profile in comparison to the sleek shank and diminutive saddle stem. However, from above, the shank reveals an impressively broad aspect — almost matching the bowl's breadth — and flaring gradually before the stem base's shoulders reduce to the mouthpiece. It's a design of seemingly contrasting elements, from sinuous curves to crisp panels, and yet they combine together into a cohesive composition, all dressed in a texture sandblast of stunning ring grain — save for the rim. Said rim is finished smooth and softly inflated, with a kiss of plateau along the fore echoing the rest of the stummel's sandblast. A deep contrast stain of mahogany hues adorn the bowl and shank, and the rim's lighter auburn tone matches the contrast stain's lighter tinges, while a pale accent of palm wood elevates the stem base.