Li Zhesong: Smooth Acorn (2026) Tobacco Pipe

When fashioning Acorn renditions, Li Zhesong typically prefers crafting lengthier interpretations, often elongating the shank or utilizing a bamboo shank extension. This particular Acorn from the Chinese carver is a noticeable departure from the lengthy designs we've previously received, having been rendered in compact, Nosewarmer proportions. Despite measuring just barely over four-and-a-half inches long, there's still plenty of robustness lent to the stummel, especially in regards to the bowl. Said bowl is stout, yet affably rounded and has been shaped to fully maximize the grain potential of the briar block Zhesong selected for this piece. Streaks of cross grain ride across the flanks while birdseye dots the near and far sides, with the warm contrast stain making the grain even more visually stunning. The rim's subtly concave in its orientation, adding further dynamism to the shape's profile without being too obvious or distracting. The transition sits softly tucked beneath the bowl's aft and quickly leads into the upward curling shank, with a well-grained hardwood accent ring adorning the end. The stem's expansion disc nicely mirrors the ring's shaping before stepping down to a flattened configuration and elegantly tapering toward the lip button.