Ryan Alden: Sandblasted Bent Dublin Sitter (King) Tobacco Pipe

American carver Ryan Alden is something of a Renaissance man, with a background in sculpting, leather working, and wood turning, so it seems only natural that he'd try his hand at pipe making. His work takes influence from various schools of design, and his portfolio showcases everything from palm-filling hunks of briar to more snug, Nosewarmer designs. This bent Dublin Sitter is a whimsical and full-bodied rendition of the classic shape, one that aptly showcases Alden's shaping and finishing acumen.

This piece boasts a tall, flaring bowl that stands at the fore of a sinuous shank-and-stem arrangement. Standing atop its flatted heel, the bowl takes on a forward-urging posture that lends the entire form a dynamic, eye-catching silhouette. In addition to being a sturdy desk pipe, this piece also boasts a healthy tobacco chamber, which ensures plenty of leisurely smoking sessions. A dark sandblast dresses the stummel and highlights captivating growth rings that rise in concert with the bowl's outward flare. A handsome design, this piece is sure to become a welcome member of a discerning collector's rotation.