Wojtek Pastuch: Sandblasted Nosewarmer Billiard with Horn (0907) Tobacco Pipe

Wojtek Pastuch's portfolio contains a healthy amount of nosewarmer designs, yet each one sees the Polish carver putting a unique spin on the form in regards to their finish and accenting materials. While it measures just under four and a half inches in overall length, this piece lacks nothing when it comes to charm and intricate details. This particular offering is especially influenced by the Danish pipemaking approach as evidenced by the bowl's subtle taper up to the softly rounded rim as well as the finish and accent this piece wears. Said bowl also displays a slight hint of forward cant in profile, reminiscent of the Devil Anse shape. In keeping with its Danish influence, the stummel's been treated to a jet-black, low-profile sandblast that has managed to bring out a good deal of crisp texture. Underneath the dark stain, rippling waves of grain can still be seen as it starts along the lifted heel and travels up the bowl to the smooth polished rim. The horn accent is quite a nice touch and remarkable in its own right. Pastuch has shaped it in such a way that it almost looks like a mount, though it's actually attached to the stem's base. It's a subtle detail that shows just how creative Wojtek is as a carver and how he can make just about any shape fascinating.