Jared Coles: Sandblasted Asymmetric Fish with Ivorite Tobacco Pipe

Jared Coles discovered the world of high grade pipes when studying at college, and has been obsessed ever since. Coles and his friend John Klose founded J&J pipes to much success, but they amicably parted several years later to achieve their personal artistic visions. Coles draws significant inspiration from the Japanese school, particularly admiring Kei-ichi Gotoh and Hiroyuki Tokutomi, while also receiving advice and instruction from American greats Todd Johnson and Jeff Gracik. Coles crafts everything from exotic Freehands to shape-chart standards, and uses a variety of accenting materials to imbue his pipes with a unified aesthetic.

This Fish by Jared Coles is a Danish-inspired shape, which was popularized by the likes of Lars Ivarsson and Jess Chonowitsch. Not to be confused with the more common Blowfish, the Fish shape pairs an Egg-like bowl to a gestural shank and stem. However, much like the Blowfish, this Fish utilizes asymmetrical shaping. On the right flank, a ridgeline defines the profile, flowing from the smooth finished rim to the similarly finished shank face, with a dash of plateau on the shank in between. Conversely, the left flank features no such ridge as the profile smoothly curves from rim to shank end, both of which are raised slightly higher than their counterparts on the opposite flank. Although both flanks present similar profiles, the asymmetrical shaping accentuates the rising arc that defines the shape, giving this pipe a forward-urging momentum that peaks at the rim.

Additionally, the asymmetrical shaping enhances the finishing as well. The stummel is dressed in a black sandblast that exposes growth rings in fine detail; the left flank also showcases wiry tendrils of vertical grain, while the ridgeline on the right flank frames pockmarks of birdseye. The rim and shank face both feature smooth finishes, drawing attention to the asymmetric parallel between both ends of the stummel. The stem also features a contrasting construction. It is a split stem, featuring a creamy white accent at the shank face while the tenon and bit are fashioned from traditional jet-black vulcanite. Every element of this pipe features asymmetry, leading to a fascinating combination of shaping, finishing, and colors that will make a unique addition to any collection.