GH.ZHANG: Sandblasted Volcano (Cornelius Manz) (03) 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.

Although Cornelius Mänz is a German pipe maker, he is primarily inspired by Danish artisans like Jess Chonowitsch and S. Bang. Therefore, the tenets of the Danish aesthetic, such as gestural profiles, flowing lines, and muscular shaping abound in Mänz's portfolio, and are displayed here by GH Zhang. This Mänz "03" Volcano by GH Zhang possesses a compact, dynamic form: the shank tapers downward from a broad face to an arched transition, from which the bowl arcs upward into a forward-urging posture, providing this piece with a muscular momentum. Furthermore, the composition showcases some subtle asymmetry, as the rim rises toward the left-fore and the isosceles shank face forms a pronounced peak on the right flank, imbuing the composition with whimsy but keeping things balanced. Additionally, a crisp, comprehensive ridge frames the curvaceous underside, which comfortably fills one's palm when clutched. This particular Mänz "03" is dressed in a jet-black sandblast, highlighting craggy growth rings in vivid detail, while the trim rim and shank face wear a smooth finish for a palpable contrast.