Jody Davis: Sandblasted Fish with Ivorite (Friar) (A20) (28) Tobacco Pipe

The Fish is a pipe shape with roots in Danish pipe design, specifically as executed by Jess Chonowitsch and, to an extent, Lars Ivarsson. In essence, the shape typically features a rounded bowl (often falling between Apple, Egg, or Brandy shapes) fitted to a shank that displays a teardrop cross section. Such shaping orients a crisp ridgeline along one side; sometimes artisans will terminate that hard line at the transition, or they'll continue it through the bowl for added structure and accenting flourish. Jody Davis presents his own Fish rendition here, exemplifying his stellar shaping abilities, gorgeous accent work, and talent in the blasting cabinet.

While the teardrop shank is present on this compact interpretation, Jody opted to blend it with the bowl's base rather than have it end at the transition or continue up the bowl's far side. Such shaping creates a more dramatically lifted heel compared to most Fish renditions where the bowl is more rounded or plump. The shank is also quite wide in relation to the bowl, slanting down from the right side toward the crisp ridgeline along the left side. Perhaps my favorite aspect of this piece is the sandblasted finish and the color palette the American carver opted for on this piece. Undulating grain patterns creep up the bowl's flanks and radiate across the shank's broad surface, with the stummel's ruddy stain tastefully complemented by the cumberland stem. Excellent visual contrast is provided by the pale Ivorite accent adorning the teardrop shank face and the mouthpiece terminates in a soft downturn, promising comfort in any desired smoking posture.