Yang Kun: Smooth Bent Dublin Sitter (Four Footprints) (2242) Tobacco Pipe

Formerly a professional makeup artist for Chinese television and film, Yang Kun became enamored with pipes upon learning about the work of Sixten Ivarrsson and soon began carving them for himself. Studying under a series of mentors in China, Kun refined his style and skill, maintaining Danish influences while branching out into new territory. This bent Dublin is a fine example of his work, featuring a broad, flared rim that resembles a cat's eye, and quick tapering walls that culminate in a small, flat heel that allows the pipe to sit with a playful forward cant. A muscular round shank brings up the rear, fitted with a comfortably bent vulcanite saddle stem. Dressed in a light blonde stain, the Four Footprint grade stummel, stamped in honor of his son's birth, boasts excellent flame grain around the bowl and crown of birdseye at the rim, with a matching heel.