Chris Asteriou: Partially Sandblasted Dublin with Bamboo and Mammoth Tobacco Pipe
Product Number: 002-540-0173
Greek carver Chris Asteriou's professional background in architecture and industrial design may explain how his pipes are so precise and richly detailed. Of course, Asteriou also has a deep respect and appreciation for pipe making in general, and his work demonstrates an unparalleled understanding of the craft's history, which contributes to his broad creative range. He deftly incorporates design cues from various traditions, but his keen eye for proportions and lines transforms any pipe he crafts into something distinctly his own. This straight Dublin handsomely showcases his unique style, and it looks simply magnificent with its low-depth tanblast and bamboo shank extension.
The incorporation of bamboo in this design hearkens back to World War II, when pipe makers needed to find an alternate material to stretch their limited supply of briar. Artisan pipe makers have since used the material as a creative component in their pieces. For this pipe, Asteriou utilizes three knuckles of dark Japanese bamboo to extend the shank, the shadowy complexion of the material contrasting strikingly against the rest of the stummel's warm color. The extension matches well with the color of the vulcanite saddle stem for a uniform appearance out back, save for the mammoth accent at the shank end, which adds a subtle dose of vibrancy.
Shape-wise, this piece is a sleek, protracted rendition of the straight Dublin. The tall bowl possesses a flared, softly inflated rim that favors the fore a touch over the aft and a steady taper to the firm, rounded heel. While the rim is smooth and polished for a sense of textural diversity, the rest of the stummel wears a low-profile sandblast that draws out rippling waves of growth rings across the briar's surface, providing plenty of stimulation for wandering fingers. It's a unique, eye-catching design, and it will no doubt become a favorite among any collector's rotation.
--Davin Hylton
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SoldMeasurements & Other Details
- Length: 6.13 in./155.70 mm.
- Weight: 1.17 oz./33.11 g.
- Bowl Height: 1.86 in./47.24 mm.
- Chamber Depth: 1.56 in./39.62 mm.
- Chamber Diameter: 0.77 in./19.56 mm.
- Outside Diameter: 1.59 in./40.39 mm.
- Stem Material: Vulcanite
- Filter: None
- Shape: Dublin
- Finish: Partial Sandblast
- Material: Briar
- Country: Greece