GH.ZHANG: Sandblasted Stack with Silver (Ping Zhan) (04) 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 also has a deep affinity for classic shapes, as seen in this "04" Stack design. A compact and charming Nosewarmer, this design is primed for pocket carry and easy travel smoking, packing a great deal of substance into a small package. The bowl is the forefront of this silhouette, towering above the shank proportionally, its impressive height promising a capacious chamber with plenty of insulation. The bowl's walls boast a low-set waist and a subtle taper toward the rim, a wide transition out back pairing it to a sleek shank here capped with a dome of silver. A sleek saddle stem of black vulcanite marries to the stummel at this dome, its dark tones contrasting both the silver accent and the stummel's shadowy sandblast.