Jess Chonowitsch: Sandblasted Fish Tobacco Pipe

A Chonowitsch signature shape, the fish is a remarkable design. Note the oblong disposition of the rounded bowl, stretched lengthwise while maintaining perfect curvature throughout. A defining aspect of the Fish is the ridgeline that runs from the shank end to the bowl, where it here seamlessly disappears into the dark sandblast of rippling grain. From every angle, the silhouette is a wonder of geometry. With a rim that's slightly concave and stained the ruby tone of the undercoat, there is no other color contrast in this sophisticated smoking instrument. Often called a master of understatement, Jess' genius seems to be in not doing too much; in knowing how simple, pure lines and proportions add more beauty to a pipe than does excessive shaping or accents. It's a smaller piece, and could be carried in a pocket, but the tobacco chamber is of standard size and there's plenty of smoking potential in this rare piece made by one of the best ever to practice the craft.