J. Alan: Sandblasted Bent Brandy with Horn (1962) Tobacco Pipe

One of the most talented pipe makers in North America, and the world for that matter, Jeff Gracik of J. Alan pipes fashions expertly engineered compositions that are highly sought after and admired for their shaping, grain, and excellent smoking properties. The American artisan's stylistic range is impressively diverse as Gracik is able to craft beautiful shape-chart standards as well as more complex, organically inspired designs. This elegant bent Brandy ably demonstrates Jeff's talents with classic shapes and his tasteful use of accenting materials.

Measuring less than five inches in total length, this piece is a compact design that sees a plump, elegantly rounded bowl posed at the fore of a sinuously bent shank-and-stem arrangement. Displaying a subtle taper form its wide heel to its taut rim, the bowl here boasts a low-set waistline that conforms naturally to the hand, its supple curves visually harmonizing with the shank-and-stem arrangement's refined posture. The shank and stem provide balance to the composition while also lending a touch of gesture to the shape in profile. A dark sandblast dresses the stummel and unveils tight bands of growth rings that radiate across the flanks of the bowl to the smoothly polished, chestnut-stained rim. An accent of horn adorns the shank end and offers just a touch of contrasting warmth to the pipe's otherwise reserved and shadowy color palette.