Ken Dederichs: Sandblasted Mushroom Tobacco Pipe

Primarily characterized by a ridgelined bowl with a domed rim rising above the equatorial hard line, the Mushroom shape offers artisan pipemakers an abundance of creative avenues to explore. This interpretation from Ken'ichiro Dederichs captures the Germany-based, Japanese carver's talented shaping skills and precise line work. Initially, it closely resembles a Rhodesian, the bowl more pronounced and visually separated from the shank. However, instead of the Rhodesian's conventional beadlines and tapered rim, this design utilizes a firm ridgeline and a domed rim. The broad bowl offers a substantial in-hand presence, yet conforms comfortably when wrapped around the thumb and forefinger, the slightly elongated transition offering ample room for the thumb to drape over.

My favorite aspects in this piece are the crisp ridgelines and the subtle dose of asymmetry Dederichs has incorporated. When viewed from the smoker's perspective, the teardrop shank is slightly tilted with firm ridgelines emerging from the shank's sides and blending in seamlessly with the bowl's ridgeline. The line along the right side is more distinct, coming to a defined point at the rim's fore and echoing the crispness of the teardrop shank. Primarily dressed in a jet-black, light-profile sandblast, the innermost portion of the slightly concave rim has been left smooth and stained a rich walnut hue, matching the bulging shank face. For added practicality, as well as a touch of understated flash, Ken's inserted a reinforced brass ring at the top of the shank face, creating a mount-style tenon configuration.