Wojtek Pastuch: Sandblasted Apple with Bamboo and Urushi (1316) Tobacco Pipe

Wojtek Pastuch has held a deep appreciation for pipes since the age of 15, starting a collection of his own after a time and repairing pieces that he could find, not only to expand his rotation, but because he enjoyed it. In doing so he awakened a passion within him that stemmed from an appreciation of the craft and the process of creating these pipes, leading him not only to begin carving his own, but to visit the workshop of legendary Danish artisan Tom Eltang, who helped him on his way. Pastuch showcases a staggering degree of stylistic breadth within his portfolio, from the classic to the unconventional, and even pieces of a more sculptural, whimsical leaning, each novel exploration rendered with a skilled and refined sense of line and balance.

We've not received many Apples from Pastuch in the past, making this pipe a rather rare example of the shape in his portfolio, its form marked by an intriguing organicism. A wide transition here gives way to an extremely short shank that tapers to a pale accent ring, with said ring flanking a three-knuckle stretch of bamboo alongside a twin at the end near the stem. Both of these rings add a rich contrast to the composition, and they also serve to extend the organic qualities of the bamboo, continuing divots in the pale grass' surface at the top and underside. The stem itself is a trim, sleek saddle of black vulcanite, an expansion ring at its base continuing the rhythm of the bamboo's knuckles and lending the pipe a cohesive, unified look. The bamboo here is unique, in that it's been painted with Urushi lacquer, the medium of the traditional Japanese Urushi-e artform, whose name translates to "lacquer pictures" in English. Though it is usually applied slowly and in myriad layers, gradually forming a picture, the Urushi here serves to protect the bamboo from scratches or dings, and it additionally colors it a rich chestnut hue that does well to match the stem and stummel's finish. Up front, the bowl stands atop a rounded heel and grows its walls in a plump, bulb-like fashion that lends its supple walls a lovely feel in hand, its gently domed rim adding further visual softness to the profile. Dressed in a crisp, craggy sandblast, the briar here displays an impressive array of rippling growth rings, cascading down the circumference of the bowl at a slight angle. The dark stain of the briar, deep Urushi finish of the bamboo, and the black tones of the stem all lend this pipe a serious, rugged aesthetic, and they make the contrast provided by the pale bands framing the bamboo all the more apparent.