Sandblasted Acorn with Bamboo Tobacco Pipe

Li Xin began making pipes in 2015 after several years of woodworking, eventually becoming the first apprentice of fellow China Academy of Art graduate Yang Zhimin. He left his regular job in 2016 to pursue pipe making full-time, and in 2018 launched Xin Pipes from a workshop in the attic above his apartment. Drawing on his background in design and art history, Li favors simple, well-proportioned designs with clean lines and little unnecessary ornamentation. Since 2023, he has specialized in bamboo pipes, allowing the natural character of the material to play an important role in each composition.

Showcasing Xin's penchant for highly organic compositions, this Acorn is a handsome example of his work. The bowl hews closely to its namesake nut, rendered with bold, plump proportions that sit comfortably in the hand. An interesting aspect of the bowl is its concave, chamfered rim, finished smooth in a high-gloss stain that highlights fine birdseye and provides a pleasing contrast against the rest of the sandblasted stummel. The shank is extended by two dark knuckles of bamboo, a signature element of Xin's work, with the natural nodes providing a distinctive texture and drawing the eye along their harmonious, evenly spaced flanks. The stem is equally striking, taking the form of a sleek saddle fashioned from bright charteuse vulcanite and providing a handsome conclusion to this already alluring composition.