Ryan Alden: Sandblasted Nosewarmer Bent Dublin (Queen of Hearts) Tobacco Pipe

While we've received a few nosewarmers from Ryan Alden previously, this is the first time we've seen the Texas-based carver render the bent Dublin in such compact, pocket-friendly proportions. As charmingly petite as this piece may be, Alden has packed in an impressive amount of substance in such a small package with the stout bowl commanding the majority of the visual weight. Weighing in at around 36 grams and with barely four inches of total length, this is a tried and true nosewarmer, easily slipped into a pocket and clenched hands free. Ryan has treated the stummel to an incredibly crisp tanblast, unveiling tight, ripping waves of ring grain that emanate from the rounded base and travel all the way up to the inflated, slightly concave rim. The stummel's warm tones are then handsomely complemented by the saddle stem's salmon pink hues that also feature a swirling mix of green and yellow tones for further visual interest. And for a subtle artistic touch, Alden has left the innermost portion of the rim smooth and flattened the underside, allowing this piece to sit remarkably well should the need to set it down.