Wojtek Pastuch: Smooth Chubby Bent Apple with Bronze (0850) Tobacco Pipe

This is the shortest pipe I've seen in some time. At under four inches in length, it's a veritable nosewarmer for sure — moustache-warmer, even. Such a chubby, spitfire of a pipe is a natural addition to Wojtek Pastuch's portfolio which ranges from compact, muscular pieces, such as this, to longer, more slender forms. The Polish carver has done well in shaping this bent Apple, maintaining a consistent sense of curve and proportion yet still in an incredibly compact overall size. The ever-so-slight S-curve continues into the forward canted bowl, keeping the piece's profile plump and curvaceous. It's an excellent example of the playful approach Wojtek brings to pipemaking while also showcasing his deft skill. The shank end wears a stunning wedding band of warm bronze, echoed at the right flank which bears a bright inlay just below the rim. It's all dressed in a ruby-tinged contrast stain, the right flank studded in birdseye as the left features an array of cross grain that bursts out in every direction from a core of birdseye whorls. Stunning work from Pastuch all offered in a, dare I say, cute package that's quite elegant and refined in presentation.