Benni Jorgensen: Partially Sandblasted Calabash Tobacco Pipe

Compared to his myriad Brandies and Dublins, we just don't see too many Calabash shapes from Benni Jorgensen — though that's not to say he can't simply nail the design when the fancy strikes. This rather tight-knit sandblasted piece is a great example. By keeping the transition deep and strongly sweeping, Benni's afforded the piece a pronounced bend without having to lengthen the silhouette much overall. The result isn't simply "bundled up", but condensed — taking the same curling gesture and flair you'd expect from a briar rendition of the Calabash shape and compressing them into just over five and half inches from end to end. He's kept the silhouette dynamic and unique as well, lending the rim a touch of flare and lip as it approaches the rear face, in turn echoing the shape's strong arc in profile. It's a great piece, and Benni's skill in the blasting cabinet certainly shows here as well.

- Andrew Wike