Michael Parks: Smooth Bulldog (Four Leaf) Tobacco Pipe

Canadian pipe maker Michael Parks has an affinity for traditional Anglo-French shapes, but brings a modern sensibility to these timeless pipe archetypes. Parks' excellent craftsmanship is reflected by the stunning finishes and top-notch smoking qualities of his pipes. Additionally, Parks commonly incorporates exotic accents into his pipes, with mammoth, morta, and horn being a few of his favorites.

Despite measuring in at just over five inches long, this Bulldog by Michael Parks is an extraordinarily robust rendition of the shape. The stummel possesses remarkable breath for its compact length, its palpable heartiness emanating across the composition. Furthermore, the line work is exceptional as well, as the diamond shank's ridges extend onto the lower bowl and immaculately curve into the sharp heel. Additionally, the broad bowl is marked by dual beadlines, which separate the lower, flaring walls from the crisp taper to the rim. The robust stummel also possesses stunning grain, which is showcased best by the facets on the diamond shank that alternate between framing sweeping cross grain and birdseye whorls, a prime indicator of Park's talents for orienting grain. Said grain is dressed in a smoky, chestnut smooth finish, which is complemented by the jet-black vulcanite stem, giving this phenomenal, Four Leaf-graded Bulldog a timeless color palette.