Askwith: Sandblasted Morta Cavalier Poker Tobacco Pipe

A stunning and highly stylized Poker, this rendition from Chris Askwith deftly demonstrates the English carver's talented ability to creatively modify traditional shapes. It's a rather lengthy interpretation, measuring nearly seven inches long with the elongated shank contributing much of the length before transitioning into the softly downturned, polyester mouthpiece. Said shank continues into the bowl's lower fore, giving this piece a "pierced" look when viewed in profile. While such a design cue is visually striking, Askwith also engineered this piece so that it performs as a fully-functioning Cavalier, with the airway continuing into the extended shank and terminating at a cap that can be removed to drain excessive moisture that accumulates while smoking.

However, this piece is an otherwise fairly traditional Poker at its core, featuring a tall, cylindrical bowl that possesses the ability to sit unassisted thanks to its flattened heel. The stummel 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 grain patterns that can be unveiled when it's sandblasted, and Chris has taken full advantage of that here with tight striations of grain radiating across the stummel's surface. The red and black hues of the stem and heel cap also pair nicely with the stummel's extra-dark coloration. It's a fascinating piece from Askwith, ably showcasing his versatility and distinctive style.