Fukura Fugu (2526) (2026) Tobacco Pipe

Avid pipe-smoker-and-collector-turned-artisan David Huber describes himself as "forever a student of pipes," having studied under numerous legendary pipe makers around the globe. Driven by a constant desire for improvement, Huber pays careful attention to his craft, and when looking at the stunning Fugu offered here, his exacting approach is readily evident.

The Fugu has become something of a staple in Huber's portfolio, each iteration more stunning than the last. This "Fukura" Fugu is named after the curved tip of a katana; the same kind of curvature is demonstrated along the shank, and the entire stummel exhibits additional sharply rendered curves that more broadly emulate the same concept. Starting with the bowl, the crisply chamfered rim immediately draws the eye, especially when viewing the pipe in profile. From the right side, the rim appears quite small, and deeply concave; from the left, it appears to widen, leading into a generous tobacco chamber. This dynamic appearance comes from the placement of the curling panel that wraps around the stummel: The right edge of the panel intersects with the edge of the rim, which dips down to establish a pleasing sense of negative space. The crispness of said panel, as well as its tight-knit, sweeping trajectory, gives the shank its fukura-esque appearance. It takes a great amount of skill to combine sharp, crisp lines with fluid, gestural curves, yet Huber has done so here with deceptive ease — all while maximizing the briar's gorgeous grain. A contrast-rich, chestnut-hued stain accentuates said grain, and a gleaming band of brassy metal adorns the shank face, inlaid to greet the masterfully shaped vulcanite stem. For anyone drawn to the Fugu shape, this rendition will undoubtedly be particularly enticing.