Todd Johnson: Sandblasted Tomato with Mammoth (Hoplite) Tobacco Pipe

Grounded with a deep respect for the Danish greats and propelled by an adventurous spirit, Todd Johnson has lovingly crafted both shape-chart classics and unique, imaginative pieces throughout his prolific career, making pipes that excel both as smoking instruments and intricate works of art. While Johnson has cultivated an eclectic, distinctive style over the course of his extensive career, experimenting with shaping and finishing techniques, the American carver still holds great admiration for the Danish school of design, with this Hoplite-graded Tomato rendition exemplifying his masterful line work. The composition's momentum is driven by a forward-ebbing bowl upfront, whose exceptionally squat figure is formed by supple walls curving graciously from the soft, sweeping heel toward the flat rim, the overall shape contouring well to the hand. Flanked by a pair of sleek ridgelines, a broad oval shank gently lifts out of the transition from the bowl and joins to a half-saddle stem, the arrangement offering a comfortable smoking posture. Fashioned from jet-black vulcanite, the stem is imbued with swirls of green, offering a vibrant touch to this piece's otherwise reserved palette. Dressing the stummel is a crisp, inky sandblast that draws out rippling growth rings along the top and underside, its dark, rugged complexion tastefully contrasted by the light, creamy tones of a trim mammoth accent adorning the junction.