Wojtek Pastuch: Smooth Dublin with Brass and Corian and Mother of Pearl (1231) 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.

This Dublin is a rather striking example of Pastuch's shaping style, in part due to its compact size. Less than five inches in total length, this is snug and lightweight Nosewarmer, but even given its reserved build, there is still a palpable muscularity evident in the shape's construction, especially around the tall, brawny bowl. Said bowl is quite wide and stout, boasting a breadth that brings to mind a taller Tomato and the thick, insulating walls of a Pot. The form's distinctive flare is still present, but it's more muted than other renditions of the shape, further emphasizing the bowl's brawny frame. An equally thick shank brings up the rear before giving way to a truly stunning accent, one composed of brass, Corian, and mother of pearl. The accent provides a vibrant dose of color to the composition, immediately livening the shape's otherwise reserved color palette. A ruby-tinged smooth finish dresses the stummel and highlights a brilliant display of flame grain across the flanks of the bowl, and a wealth of birdseye across the softly inflated rim.