Smooth Blowfish (23) (2026) Tobacco Pipe

After purchasing and refurbishing estate pipes, Li Zhesong gradually became interested in crafting pipes of his own, initially starting as a part-time pipe maker before transitioning to a full-time artisan carver. Zhesong produces less than 100 pipes a year: a testament to his detail-driven approach and commitment to quality. He has shown quite the affinity for crafting playful, creative takes on Danish and Japanese classics, and this Blowfish is an excellent example of his signature style.

The Blowfish is an inherently dynamic shape, but Zhesong has managed to achieve his own unique sense of dynamism and wabi-sabi with the iteration presented here. From the smoker's perspective, the bowl appears to curve to the left; this tilting appearance is primarily the result of the asymmetrically placed panel that runs through the aft, over the rim, and carries all the way through the fore before doubling back through the shank. The ridgelines establishing this continuously flowing panel also carry over into the shoulders of the saddle stem, which also appears tilted while the bit remains straight, centered, and poised for a comfortable smoke.

In addition to its masterful shaping, the grain on this Blowfish is also something to behold: Stunning birdseye adorns the flanks of the stummel, while exceptionally tight cross grain coincides with the overarching panel. These gorgeous grain patterns are accentuated by a warm, contrast-rich finish and a glossy sheen that catches the light beautifully — the latter also drawing attention to the mesmerizing curves and contours of the stummel.