Askwith: Sandblasted Morta Belge Tobacco Pipe

Chris Askwith transforms traditional shapes through the use of non-traditional materials and vibrant color palettes, constantly creating striking pieces of functional art and some of the most distinctive designs in modern pipe making. Perhaps the most traditional of shapes, the Belge is among the earliest pipe shapes and hearkens back to the clay pipes seen in taverns hundreds of years ago, long before briar was discovered as a pipe making medium. On this interpretation from the English artisan, the bowl is positioned at a strong forward cant and was crafted from morta, a material renowned for its light weight and more flavor-neutral smoking characteristics. The jet-black material is also well-known for the mesmerizing patterns that can be unveiled when it's sandblasted, and Chris has taken full advantage of that here with uniform striations of grain traversing the rounded bowl. Adding to the theme of alternative materials, the tapered stem was fashioned from polyester, with its variegated mix of purple, yellow, and black tones calling to mind a Mardi Gras celebration.