Ryan Alden: Sandblasted Bent Billiard (King of Clubs) Tobacco Pipe

For the amount of classic Billiard and Foursquare shapes we receive from Ryan Alden, it's something of a surprise that this is only the second bent Billiard we've seen. Like the former, though, it caters to traditional English style — specifically Dunhill's iconic "LC" shape. The famed White Spot design distinguishes itself by a stretched transition and downturned stem that lend the profile its famous "swan neck" fluidity. It's simultaneously a graceful and imposing form, the elegance of the shank and stem contrasted by the Billiard bowl's firm uprightness.

Ryan's rendition here beautifully showcases this balance of grace and structure, and it's impressively executed. Each curve must be shaped appropriately, lest the entire silhouette be inconsistent, and the Texas-based carver has accomplished that — the bend of the stem matching with the arcing curve of the heel and transition. Well-balanced and rendered in large proportions, this piece presents a generous chamber, yet the sinuous bend allows for comfortable clenching. With subtle cheeking about the lower bowl, the Billiard form is poised on the end, exhibiting a warm, ruby-tinged sandblast that matches handsomely with the rusty tones of the lengthy cumberland stem.