Michael Parks: Sandblasted Saucer (IV.16) Tobacco Pipe

There are some pipe shapes we would typically classify as "low-slung", and then there are others that push that aesthetic so far they could almost be considered completely horizontal in profile. This Saucer from Michael Parks is a beautiful example of that latter camp, featuring a seriously broad, seriously squat bowl, with the waistline (and the rim for that matter) sitting nearly flush with the axis of the transition and shank. Fitting to the bowl's form, Michael's likewise kept the shank very low, nearly flat in its oval, lenticular nature with a very lean cumberland mouthpiece to match. It's no clencher, but it is quite comfortable when cradled in the palm — all the more so considering the craggy, stimulating sandblast Michael's paired it to. Recommended.

- Andrew Wike