Ashton: Claret Billiard with Bamboo (XXX) Tobacco Pipe

Among the boldest, stoutest Billiards I've encountered from Ashton, this piece from the English marque is a stunning take on the shape chart standard. The burly bowl is remarkably muscular with a generously deep chamber housed within its thick insulating walls and features a flattened base that enables it to sit stably. It looks especially striking dressed in the rich, bright ruby stain of the Claret finish with the sandblast coaxing out an abundance of blasted birdseye and cross grain. The shank is then extended by two pale, thick knuckles of bamboo, the organic medium standing out in stark contrast between the stummel's vibrant stain and the jet-black saddle stem. Bamboo adorned pieces are significantly rarer compared to Ashton's penchant for traditional English designs, making this piece even more desirable.