Doctor's: Smooth Dublin with Bamboo and Boxwood (Grand Flash) Tobacco Pipe

The Grand Flash designation is Roman Kovalev's highest grade within his three-tiered scale. Producing only two to three pieces each year worthy of such a stamp, this is just the second one we've ever received from the Russian carver, (the first having been Kovalev's first ever Grand Flash piece). A stunning testament to his skill and creative eye, this Dublin is every bit deserving of the prestigious grade.

Characterized by Roman's conventional use of gnarled, asymmetric bamboo pieces, the shank is extended with one such ferrule, displaying a rugged, textured appeal furthered by accenting nodules of boxwood. The style is continued, then, through the shank and low-set transition — the horizontally pinched cross section creating firm lines on either flank that carry through the heel. Kovalev has also slightly indented an area on the top of the shank, coinciding with a dimple of the bamboo. It's touches like this that allow Roman to offer a sense of balance and fluidity from out of the chaotic asymmetry.

The bowl itself is rather consistent, flaring elegantly through its tall form. Up top though, the asymmetry of the shank is reinforced by an undulating rim, kissed with plateau. As would be expected from the Grand Flash designation, the grain here is as perfect as can be: Tongues of flame grain cascade down from the rim in a stunning display all around the circumference of the bowl. This piece is a gorgeous pipe; it sits upright, boasts beautiful shaping and grain, and sports expert craftsmanship in its internal engineering, stem work, and reinforced tenon — sure to be the centerpiece to any collection.