GH.ZHANG: Dark Sandblasted Freehand (Brighton James) (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.

This particular Freehand was inspired by Brighton James, an American artisan with an expressive style that favors unique and sculptural renditions. This piece is a handsome showcase of his style, stout with ridgelines throughout creating a form that is both supple and firm. The bowl sits with an expressive forward cant, informing the rest of the composition with an almost non-existent, Horn-like transition. A round, flaring shank brings up the rear, matching the bowl's canted rhythm and pairing to a sleek, vulcanite stem. The stummel is dressed in a dark sandblast that accentuates rippling growth rings rising up the bowl.