Askwith: Sandblasted Rhodesian Tobacco Pipe

An artisan pipe maker based in Plymouth, England, Chris Askwith has accrued quite the reputation and devoted following over the years. He is known for modernizing shape-chart standards through his use of stylish color palettes, handsome finishes, and vibrant polyester stems, all of which are evident when considering this bent Rhodesian. It's a deeply bent, almost sinuous, interpretation of the classic shape, with the firm, muscular bowl positioned at the fore of an upturned shank and an arcing tapered stem. The form's characteristic domed rim and wrapping beadlines are present here, but the bowl's typical downward taper has been dramatically softened, which effectively lends the bowl a more consistent and full-bodied appearance in profile. A warm, affable tanblast dresses the stummel and accentuates pinpricks of birdseye across one flank of the bowl while also lending a rugged texture to the briar. The purple hues of the polyester mouthpiece add a dose of contrasting color to the composition that really captures the eye and brings further life to the composition.