GH.ZHANG: Dark Sandblasted Rhodesian with Silver (Ping Zhan) (07) Tobacco Pipe

Guo Hui Zhang's passion for pipes began with his work as an importer and purveyor of pipe-making materials. Zhang's understanding of large-scale pipe logistics inspired an exciting idea: the mass production of high-quality, artisan pipes. In 2017, he opened the GH Zhang workshop and partnered with pipe makers around the world to achieve his vision. Each GH Zhang pipe is designed by a famous artisan pipe maker and shaped on a CNC machine before being finished by hand and fitted with stems by the team at GH Zhang. Offering more than 40 shapes in smooth and sandblasted finishes, GH Zhang presents pipe smokers with a rare opportunity to procure artisan-style pipes at an accessible price.

Hailing from Dalian, China, Ping Zhan is among the most well known and highly regarded pipe makers working today. Zhan began carving pipes in 2011 and draws much of his inspiration from the Danish and Japanese schools of pipe design, displaying a keen eye for sleek lines and inventive shaping. Most recognized for his free-flowing organic shaping, Zhan's approach to more standard shapes is well represented in this dynamic "07" Rhodesian design. Displaying a forward-urging silhouette, this piece places a supple, flared bowl atop a lifted heel, with curvaceous walls that culminate in a drawn-out, tapered rim delineated by the shape's customary beadlines. Out back a round shank sweeps upward to meet a bright silver mount, joined to a comfortably bent vulcanite saddle stem, offering an easy clench. Dressed in a crisp black sandblast, the stummel offers plenty of engaging texture for the fingers to explore.