Sandblasted Apple Sitter with Bamboo Tobacco Pipe

Taiwanese artisan Jerry Zenn worked as an auto mechanic for decades prior to his pivot to pipe making. His experience with mechanics and pursuit of perfection make his pipes particularly sought after, not in the least because Jerry's sandblasting abilities are such that he sandblasts the exact grain of his briar, as is the case with this Apple Sitter.

Jerry fitted this Apple with a spur almost as wide as the bowl itself to allow it to hold Sitter status. In addition to giving the bowl sitting ability, it also serves as an extension of the ring and flame grain that gives the bowl such a fascinating appearance. A smooth finish and honey-blonde stain give the stummel a brilliant appearance, and it's backed by an upturned, four-knuckle length of bamboo. A saddle stem of vulcanite with a minute bend finishes the piece, falling away from the upward bend of the bamboo. Jerry put a remarkable amount of imagination into this piece, and it clearly paid off — the final product is a highly original rendition of the Apple that puts its varied materials to great use.