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

Ryan Alden seems to like the Foursquare interpretation of the Billiard, and his submissions in the category certainly demonstrate that his skill with the shape is far beyond the simplicity of the form. He's found a stunning piece of briar for this composition, which has a craggy sandblast highlighting wonderful concentric rings around the entire bowl. The corners are softly paneled, almost rounded, while the shank is crisp in its square disposition. The chamber walls are thick and the bowl reassuring in hand, and the piece sits solidly. The vulcanite tapered stem is particularly noteworthy in its color coordination with the stummel. It's a beige/tan mix with brown variegated streaking perfectly matching the hue of the bowl.