J. Alan: Smooth Angular Dublin (2191) Tobacco Pipe

Since starting his career some years ago, Gracik, the carver behind J. Alan pipes, has established himself as one of the world's leading artisan pipe makers. While his work possesses a particular affinity for the soft features and organic shaping of the Danish tradition, his style is completely his own, elevated by a keen eye for gorgeous finishes and playful line work. This "Angular" Dublin is one such example of Gracik's singular style and a showcase of the carver's ability to balance supple curves with firm, structural lines.

Up front, a muscular bowl stands atop a firm heel and grows thick walls that flare to a broad rim. Said rim is bowed along its center, with the walls at the flanks standing higher and rim's fore slopped downward — a design cue that accentuates the bowl's already noticeable forward cant. A wide transition follows the bowl and quickly gives way to lenticular, ovoid shank that flares outward to a demurely curved saddle stem. Crisp ridgelines frame either side of the shank and lend some rigid definition to the form's refined curvature, while additionally forming an eye-shaped face at the junction with the aforementioned mouthpiece. A warm, glossy smooth finish completes the ensemble and highlights gorgeous flame grain and birdseye throughout the stummel.