Ken Dederichs: Partially Sandblasted Bent Dublin Sitter Tobacco Pipe

Ken has noted that working with smaller pipes affords him more control in the overall design, allowing him to view the pipe from multiple angles without having to step back and gain a larger scope. It makes sense then that control is one aspect evident across all of his designs, even in his more asymmetrical, Tokutomi-esque numbers. Every line, every curve, every plane serves a specific purpose and together they all combine to create a wonderfully balanced composition overall. Take this bent Dublin Sitter for example.

It's quite petite, measuring just over four and half inches from end to end, yet its stance is active and dynamic; even in such an abbreviated form, the shape's lines guide the eye with intrigue from rim to bit. It's also controlled in the sense that it's physically balanced to sit steadily on a flat surface, with its resting position actually showcasing the form's inherent dynamism. Moreover, even the stark juxtaposition between the smooth-polished, contrast-stained rim and jet-black sandblast accentuates that active, yet restrained look — keeping the separation between the two styles of finishes clean and perfectly executed. Just expert work all around.

- Andrew Wike