GH.ZHANG: Smooth Tomato (Cornelius Manz) (02) 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 "02" Tomato is a striking piece, showcasing a delightfully dynamic profile thanks to its eye-catching shank and stem combination. The shank itself curls out of a wide transition, a lengthy arc of briar that flares as it reaches toward the face, terminating in an angular, half-oval shape that's lined with firm ridges on the two lower flanks. These ridgelines are hollow carved on the underside, a rich and subtle shaping detail that keeps this piece engaging. A sleek saddle stem with a firm expansion ring pairs to the shank face via a brass-reinforced push-style mount, priming this pipe for easy disassembly and completing a high-reaching s-curve for comfortable smoking. Up front, the bowl stands on a lifted heel and grows thick, broad walls that rise with a gentle taper to a chamfered rim, its plump build lending this pipe a comfortable feel in hand. Dressed in a rich, smooth, auburn-toned finish, the stummel displays fine swathes of grain all around the bowl.