Askwith: Sandblasted Tomato Tobacco Pipe

While Chris Askwith does produce some more sculptural Freehand pieces, much of his portfolio comprises artistic renditions of pipe-chart classics, such as the gestural, slightly bent Tomato design. We don't have the pleasure of receiving a lot of Tomato pipes from the English artisan, and only a few briar sandblasts ever, putting this in rare company, and I love what he did with the shape. The bulbous, low-slung bowl endemic to the design here flows effortlessly into a rounded, tapering shank for an organic aesthetic.

The rich tanblast accentuates a striking grain pattern that radiates from the bowl's aft to the front, providing much detail to admire with both eyes and fingertips. The natural hue of the stummel is paired to a swirling moss-green polyester stem, precisely hand-shaped and bent just slightly to offer a comfortable smoking posture. A clever piece, light enough to clench, and ready to add a lively touch to any collection.