Chris Asteriou: Smooth Brandy with Bamboo (1045/21) Tobacco Pipe

Bamboo isn't a new aspect of pipe making; however, modern artisans are utilizing the organic material in a variety of new ways, both in how it's incorporated and what type of bamboo sections are used. The origins of bamboo in pipe making dates back to WWII when briar was in short supply. Pipe makers needed to develop innovations of how to most efficiently use briar, and one such way was by using bamboo as the pipe's shank, requiring briar only for the bowl. While this helped solve briar-shortage issues, the innovation wasn't a particular artistic one, with bamboo simply added to a briar bowl without much thought to the aesthetics or aspects of design. Sixten Ivarsson was one of the ones to alter that perspective, considering bamboo an artistic aspect of a pipe's composition and contemplating how best to incorporate it. Since then modern artisans have pushed those boundaries further, with many starting with a specific section of bamboo and fashioning a pipe according the accent.

For this Brandy, Greek carver Chris Asteriou selected a compact piece of two-knuckled bamboo, and while its arrow-straight orientation remains reserved and unassuming, it stands out by a uniquely colored motif, with mottled sections overlaying the based, tan hue. Such tones combine for further visual texture alongside the rugged knuckles, and Chris' application of a contrast stain across the stummel beautifully marries the briar to the bamboo as the striations of flame grain stand against the speckled bamboo. Said grain wonderfully coincides with the upward taper of the bowl, making for a natural fit in hand that caters well to wrapped fingers. Overall, this is a compact pipe of Nosewarmer length, yet its small size packs a wealth of aesthetically tantalizing elements, all united by a Asteriou's sterling craftsmanship.