J. Alan: Sandblasted Lovat with Silver (1749) Tobacco Pipe

This style of Lovat is my personal favorite, particularly in the abrupt termination of the shank at a minimalist stem base that introduces the flat saddle bit. It leaves all the visual weight up front with the stummel, which deservedly maintains that precedence with wonderful sandblasting that provides excellent tactile feedback in the hand. The rim is smooth and gently inflated for contrast of both texture and color tone, and the bowl is upright and structured, with meticulous and subtle tapering from the rim to the heel.

That heel is forward inclined and muscular, adding to the structured aesthetic of the pipe, including the geometrically cylindrical shank that extends from the soft transition at the bowl. It's a classic, traditional shape, and the precision of its elements and the modernist modification of its proportions all point to an irresistible rendition by one of the most advanced carvers of this era.