Konstantin Shekita: Partial Lattice Freehand with Bamboo Tobacco Pipe

Konstantin Shekita's latticework is quite impressive, leaving no margin for error yet resulting in one of the most unique textures and aesthetics out there. The only real downside, I suppose, is that this process of carving and under-cutting delicate bridges of briar doesn't really allow a block's natural grain patterns to shine through. To that, however, Konstantin has an elegant solution: these dual-finished freehands.

While the right flank and center of this freehand showcases Shekita's intricate lattice-carving, he's left the entire left flank smooth — using careful planning and orientation so that the resulting smooth panels and planes end up completely covered in deep, fiery whorls of birdseye. It's the best of both worlds so to speak, grain wise. As for the shape, well it's a fairly familiar form, sharing much in common with both the classic Blowfish and his unique Snail interpretations in the disc-like plane of the bowl and the curling and overlapping gesture of the latter half of the stummel. It's certainly an intricate, complex form, yet it still fits comfortably in the hand — which is made all the more stimulating by that aforementioned dual finish.

- Andrew Wike