J. Alan: Sandblasted 'Jess Tribute' with Ivorite (1675) Tobacco Pipe

Like many artisan pipe makers, Jeff Gracik has a deep respect for Danish pipe design and for the legendary carvers who have contributed immensely to the craft, fashioning iconic shapes that have since become a staple within artisan pipe making. One of the most influential Danish carvers of all time is Jess Chonowitsch and Gracik pays homage to Jess with this bent Brandy interpretation. This style of bent Brandy is one of Jess' signature shapes and was originally made by Chonowitsch as a custom order of pipes for a shop in Europe in the 1980s. This J. Alan piece is thoroughly classic and rooted in the Danish pipe-making tradition, serving as an excellent tribute to Jess and his work.

Similar in gesture and size, this Brandy from Jeff readily evokes Chonowitsch's iconic rendition. While the gesture of the S-curve and the bowl's forward cant are equal between the two designs, Gracik has done an excellent job of not sacrificing his own creative identity in this tribute to Jess. The flanks subtly taper up toward the rim, while the heel is a touch firmer to match the rest of the piece's muscular yet balanced proportions. The sandblast is noticeably more rugged compared to the light depth blasts seen on Chonowitsch's renditions, though the smooth rim is still maintained on this example. And while Jess' Brandy designs are typically dark stained and fitted with horn accents, Jeff opted for a warm, chestnut stain for the stummel on this piece with a pale Ivorite accent providing tasteful contrast before introducing the elegantly bent saddle stem. It's a gorgeous tribute to Jess, perfect for any J. Alan collector or those who appreciate artisan pieces influenced by Danish design cues.