Ray Kurusu: Smooth Dublin with Horn Tobacco Pipe

Compared to the large "Owl" grade Blowfish also sharing this update, this is a rather straightforward piece from Ray Kurusu. It's a stout-walled, squat Dublin with the chamber breadth and overall stoutness of a neo-classical Pot. That extra substance in no way seems forced, though; instead, it comes off wonderfully natural through Ray's careful use of a plateau-kissed rim, muscular shaping, and a finely patterned horn mount. Moreover, it's a great example of just what this artisan can do with a few tools, machinery, and a block of densely grained briar. The entire stummel, you see, is covered in finely stranded flame and straight grain — highlighted through a warm, medium-contrast stain. The sleek mouthpiece shifts even more visual weight to the bowl, and in turn all that gorgeous grain. Recommended.