Smooth Tomato with Bamboo and Brass Tobacco Pipe

Flávia Rodrigues is a Brazilian artisan known for her remarkable execution of timeless, shape-chart standards paired to modern finishes. This Tomato is a classic rendition of the shape, with a wide, low-set waist and rounded taper into a domed rim. As with many of the lighter weight iterations of the traditional shape, the chamber is of modest capacity, making this a good choice for a shorter smoke. The bamboo shank extension is fitted directly to the brief nub of the shank in an organic-looking fashion. While it's not uncommon for pipe makers to fill in large divots in the bamboo with alternative materials to mimic natural gnarls in the wood, this Tomato is the first time I've seen it done with brass. The effect is quite stunning. The brassy hue perfectly complements the beige bamboo and the smooth stummel's cherry stain for an overall demure color palette. Rodriguez took great care in integrating this pipe's stem into the overall form. For a sense of balance and continuity between the shank and stem, the saddle stem's base echoes the disc-like shape of the bamboo's knuckles. To bring the ensemble together, a small, circular brass inlay at the aft of the heel adds a snazzy flash to the pipe's overall subtle beauty.