Wojtek Pastuch: Sandblasted Long Shank Bent Pot with Ivorite (0864) Tobacco Pipe

One of the larger pieces we've seen from Wojtek Pastuch, this bent Pot benefits from an elongated shank and firmly poised Pot bowl up front. It's a clear nod to the Danish tradition, the bowl slightly tapering into the softly inflated rim and the heel gently lifted. Full of generous in hand substance and heartiness through the shank and transition, said muscularity is balanced out by the curling profile of the stem and shank, easing the eye forward and drawing focus to the thick-walled bowl. Dressed in a glossy, dark stain, the finish boasts the Polish carver's exquisite sandblasting ability, coaxing out tight-knit ripples of grain that, while crisp, still maintain the shape's silhouette. To accent, the stem is a composite construction of domed ivorite at the base and cumberland, just like that of this Belge Nosewarmer. The ivorite stands starkly against the dark sandblast, while the warm hues of the cumberland match perfectly with the ruby tones of the smooth polished rim. A beautifully balanced presentation.