Michael Parks: Sandblasted Oom Paul (One Leaf) Tobacco Pipe

Canadian carver Michael Parks modernizes and elevates classic pipe-chart standards through his intricate shaping style, masterful sandblasted finishes, and keen eye for artistic flourishes. Not one to simply rely on the sheer aesthetics, Parks' pipes are also superbly engineered, designed to be refined smoking instruments that are as beautiful inside as they are on the outside.

Though Parks is known for his love of classic shapes, it's something of a rarity to see the esteemed carver take on the Oom Paul shape, making this particular piece something of a find. In typical Parks style, this piece is rendered with the upmost attention to detail, appearing as if it was the original prototype from which all other Oom Pauls were derived. The bowl is stocky and muscular; the transition is tightly knit and precise; and the shank-and-stem arrangement is vertically posed and orientated for easy jaw-hanging. A penetrating sandblast dresses the stummel and brings vivid definition to briar, unveiling waves of growth rings across the flanks of the bowl and a delightful texture for the fingers to traverse. The deeply bent saddle stem is composed of olive-hued vulcanite, its bright, contrasting complexion providing a hint of vibrancy to the form's otherwise reserved appearance.