Viktor Yashtylov: Sandblasted Calabash Jellyfish with Olivewood (Magnetic Stem) Tobacco Pipe

Compared to his crisply faceted pieces, this Calabash from Viktor Yashtylov is a touch more restrained. That said, it still fits in well with the Russian carver's personal style of robust proportions and innovative features — the former calls to mind the aesthetic we see from many St. Petersburg-based carvers, while the latter is evidenced particularly by Yashtylov's signature magnetic stem. Instead of a standard tenon fit into the mortise via tension and friction, the base of the stem features strong magnets that align with others positioned on the shank face. Such a creative approach allows Viktor to more seamlessly fit the stem to the stummel — as he's done so here, insetting the vulcanite into the olivewood accent — while also allowing the pipe to be broken down even when hot, functioning like a military mount.

Shape-wise, this piece is dramatically different from the traditional Calabash. First off, it's straight and compact, forgoing the classic form's sinuous bend. Then, the chamber cap (made of briar, not meerschaum) extends down the bowl, overlapping the flanks, rather than simply overhanging. It's from this cue that Viktor dubbed it the "Calabash Jellyfish" — the domed, undulating cap resembling the body of a jellyfish. Said cap fits to the bowl via magnets, like the stem, avoiding any awkward twisting and ensuring a tightly sealed fit every time. You may also notice that the airway at the bottom of the chamber is positioned toward the fore, not toward the shank; Viktor designed this intentionally, requiring the smoke to move throughout the cooling chamber before entering the airway, making better use of the design's intended purpose.