J. Alan: Smooth Bent Brandy with Ivorite (2106) Tobacco Pipe

Jeff Gracik is the American artisan behind J. Alan pipes, and his achievements have made him one of the most easily recognizable, well-regarded carvers in the United States, if not the world. His journey into pipe making began with a pair of briar blocks purchased while he was studying for his graduate degree, hand-carving them to make use of them himself and fitting the two stummels with preform stems. This first step ignited within him a passion for the art of carving, leading him to study under some of the world's most talented artisans, laying the foundation for his current career.

This bent Brandy is an extremely Danish take on the shape showcasing a look removed from almost any ostentation whatsoever and instead focused on showcasing the beautiful shaping of this pipe overall. A Lumberman-esque piece, the wide transition here gives way to an ovoid shank that lifts gently as it reaches toward the stem, its bare upturn taking on an understated taper both horizontally and vertically. The stem itself is a sleek saddle of jet-black vulcanite whose base is accented with an extremely trim band of Ivorite, the sole adornment of the composition, and whose bit takes on a demure downturn to the button. The gentleness of this aft half's curvature already lends it a slightly Danish disposition, considering the consistency of these curves throughout, and the presence of the bowl only serves to further underscore the thoroughly Scandinavian air of this pipe's appearance.

Up front, the bowl stands atop a fluid, lifting heel that thrusts its presence into an understated prominence, holding aloft relatively thick walls that draw the eye easily thanks to the taper of the shank. These walls are possessed of their own taper, however, and one more pronounced than the shank's, with the outline of the bowl boasting a sleekly arcing curve up to the domed rim that makes it both comfortable in hand and eminently handsome. A dynamic forward cant emphasizes the presence of the walls, pulling the visual weight forward without diminishing the shank and stem's too much: allowing one to appreciate the twin tapers of both ends more fully. Dressed in a warm, rich stain, the stummel showcases handsome grain throughout, its walnut tones unveiling dense flame through the flanks of the shank and around the bowl, while the top and underside are awash with birdseye.