Ryan Alden: Sandblasted Lovat Tobacco Pipe

American artisan Ryan Alden's shaping style ranges from bold Italian and Danish influenced freehands to straight up English classics, all expertly executed with a focus on highlighting the beauty of the natural materials he employs. This Lovat is a fine example of the latter style, sporting clean English lines with a touch of Italian neo-classical proportions lent to the bowl — as well as a bit of Danish inspiration in the plump cheeking of the flanks around the transition. He's finished this particular piece in a rich, walnut sandblast, sans any sort of accent, keeping the focus on the shape itself and the lovely, upward-sweeping ring grain pattern it wears. Excellent piece from Ryan, here.

- Andrew Wike