Wojtek Pastuch: Smooth Dublin (1142) Tobacco Pipe

Known for his skillful craftsmanship and carefully rendered designs gleaned from an impressive attention to detail, Wojtek Pastuch has earned quite a name for himself as a talented artisan. The Polish carver's portfolio ranges from sophisticated classics to pieces rife with playful creativity. His shaping style is often influenced by Danish and English design cues, the former not a surprise as he trained with Tom Eltang in Denmark. Additionally, Pastuch worked with one of the world's finest briar cutters, Domenico "Mimmo" Romeo of Italy, from whom he learned the importance of quality briar blocks, the bedrock of any pipe maker's design aesthetic.

A graceful, lightweight piece, this Dublin presents a dramatic sense of proportion. The rounded bowl flares boldly upward from a firm, spurred heel for a sharp cone-like disposition. The softly inflated rim is kissed by plateau with a soft, encircling ridgeline delineating it from the lower bowl. An almost pencil-thin shank extends from the transition, which is subtly and cleverly tucked beneath the rim. In this rendition the rather robust, tall bowl dominates the form, while the sleek shank and stem stretch out back. Said straight shank is cinched in the middle before expanding to its asymmetrical, plateau-covered face. It's all topped by a slender, jet-black vulcanite stem accented by a stylish, tilted expansion ring, mirroring the shaping of the shank end. Beautifully designed, this artful pipe is further commended by a handsome mahogany stain, highlighting stunning whorls of birdseye populating the rim and tight-knit straight grain on either flank. Another amazing turn-out from the talented young carver.