Todd Johnson: Partially Sandblasted Long Shank Acorn (Hoplite) Tobacco Pipe

One of the most impressive aspects of Todd Johnson's aesthetic is his ability to shift in and out of styles, from more dramatic, sculptural shapes to designs that focus on alternative materials to pieces that are rooted in timeless classicism. One such pipe of the latter variety is presented here, looking to Danish pipe design for inspiration. More specifically, Todd nods to the late Lars Ivarsson and his esteemed, long-shanked Cup and Ball motif. Essentially, the form draws focus to the bowl through two design cues: a stretched shank and ridgelined transition, often accentuated further by a dual finish, as seen here.

Todd's rendition here touches on all of these shaping elements and the Danish pipe making style in general, with its supple curves and flowing sense of line. Flaring slightly from the transition, the elongated shank curls subtly upward, informing the stem's downward bend. This elegant momentum flows into the bowl, which leans forward a touch. It's a more squat, rounded style of Acorn, resembling an Apple but with a higher-set waistline and sweeping heel. Per Ivarsson's design, Todd has carved a groove about the transition to visual separate the bowl further, but Johnson went a step further and formed the ridgeline into a "V" formation along the underside. The dual finish draws more focus to the accenting element — the shank stained a warm, auburn hue, while the bowl is dark-stained and sandblasted for intriguing texture.