G. Penzo: Sandblasted Bog Oak Devil Anse (Shell) (A) Tobacco Pipe

The bowl looks large in relation to the stem, but this Devil Anse from Giacomo Penzo is of average size; it's just the pipe that's small. At barely over 4 inches, it's a delightful nosewarmer and an easy pocket carry. It's nice to see sandblasted bog oak, its sandstone coloration works extraordinarily well with the butterscotch-colored, hand-cut stem. The material provides excellent, tight grain, and this particular piece is exemplary, with tight striations circumventing the bowl. This may seem a simple piece, but its complexity is camouflaged by the elegant and seemingly simple lines. The transition, for example, is low, with a reduced shank diameter, making the ball-like bowl appear more independent. The graceful curvature of the bowl is evident from every angle, and the forward cant provides a forward momentum and a subtle impression of more length than actually exists. If you've been thinking of adding some bog oak to your collection, or are simply a fan of the Devil Anse shape, this is a pipe that will continue to impress for many years.