Bill Shalosky: Sandblasted Nosewarmer Tomato with Pink Ivory (649) Tobacco Pipe

When asked about the pipes that inspired him, Bill Shalosky points to "every pipe ever made," which makes sense when viewing the diverse range of shapes within his portfolio. His work can range from classic shape-chart standards to highly stylized, Danish-inspired pieces, but whatever Shalosky ends up crafting, his love of pipe making, in all its many aspects, is on full display. He has fashioned pieces for BriarWorks, Smoker's Haven, and Chheda Pipes, so he has considerable experience, which is clearly evident when considering this Tomato.

One of Shalosky's signature Nosewarmer renditions, this piece is designed for on-the-go smoking without sacrificing style. The bowl is especially plump, with a broad, rounded heel that the walls rise out of in smooth, supple curves before they culminate in a gently tapered, slightly undulating rim, giving the bowl an organic silhouette that rests comfortably in hand. Out back, a heavily cheeked transition emphasizes the bowl's curves, giving way to an abbreviated round shank accented with a trim band of pink ivory, a rose-colored hardwood native to the southeast of Africa. The design is topped by a vulcanite saddle stem, the saddle portion of which is especially rotund to create an elegant continuity with the shank. Dressed in a rugged walnut sandblast, the stummel boasts a wealth of finely textured growth rings, pleasantly contrasted by the accent and stem to create to create pipe that perfectly balances function and aesthetics.