Clark Layton: Sandblasted Acorn Tobacco Pipe

Clark Layton has crafted a number of Acorn renditions in the past, many of which have featured firm, sharp heels such as this particular iteration, though few of those can boast a profile as proportionally robust as this one. The overall length of this piece is five inches, though I had initially suspected that it was even more compact, as the plumpness of the bowl, gentle upturn and flare of the shank, and litheness of the saddle stem work in harmony with one another to create a silhouette that's extremely tightly knit. Overall, the outline of this piece is reminiscent of the Pickaxe shape, and this style of Acorn is one that I appreciate very much for its fusion of supple curves and sharpness, primarily fostered by the pointed heel spur. The fore wall takes on a sweeping arc from this heel to the domed rim, while the aft wall is a bit more upright, working in concert with each other and the flanks to comprise a blooming flare that terminates in a small crown of plateau just before the slope into the chamber. A fluid S-curve possesses the shank and stem, offering both an elegant demeanor overall and a comfortable smoking posture, the bowl's flare and sweeping fore working with this to showcase a subdued kind of upward momentum. Dressing the stummel of this piece is a crisp tanblast that unveils rippling growth rings on all flanks, its light hues contrasted by the black vulcanite of the saddle stem and primed for patination as this pipe is smoked and enjoyed.