GH.ZHANG: Dark Sandblasted Billiard with Silver (Ping Zhan) (01) 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. In addition to his portfolio of highly organic designs, Zhan also shows an admiration for classically-inclined pieces, as seen in this trim "01" Billiard rendition. Rendered in Nosewarmer proportions and lightweight in build, this piece is well-suited as a comfortable, on-the-go smoker. Even given its size, the bowl features a respectable stature, its figure formed by subtly tapering walls rising from the round heel toward the softened rim. Out back is a slender, subtly tapered shank fashioned with a bright, silver mount that accepts a sleek saddle stem, the arrangement sure to offer a relaxed clench between the teeth. A crisp, inky sandblast dresses the stummel with plenty of stimulating texture and keeps this pipe's palette reserved.