Viktor Yashtylov: Smooth Bent Bulldog (Magnetic Stem) Tobacco Pipe

One of Viktor Yashtylov's classic renditions, this Bulldog showcases many of the Russian artisan's typical conventions all within a blended aesthetic of Danish and Russian shaping cues. The form itself is quite traditional: a beadlined Bulldog bowl on the end of a diamond shank. Instead of defining the shank by pointed ridgelines, though, Viktor has crisply and subtly paneled them for a style that hints at many a Bo Nordh piece. Said facets, then, sweep through the bowl's heel to create one of Yashtylov's oft-seen, keel-like undersides, especially when viewed head-on. Above rises a plump bowl, contrasting against the underside's sleek and sharp lines. Adding to the momentum created by the slight S-curve, both the rim and beadline are undulated to create a playful waviness that gives the bowl the look of being forward of cant. It's all rendered in the hearty proportions popular within the St. Petersburg tradition, with a muscular, palm-filling nature that's juxtaposed against the shape's elegant lines and overall compact size. Lastly, Viktor has fitted this piece with one of his signature magnetic stems, offering loads of tactile enjoyment as well as allowing the pipe to be disassembled while still hot.