Yuwei: Partially Rusticated Bent Apple with Silver Tobacco Pipe

This bent Apple is somewhat more robust compared to other pieces we've seen from Yuwei Huang, though it maintains the Taiwanese artisan's penchant for compact, pocket-friendly proportions as it measures less than five inches in overall length. It's still a hearty piece, imbued with stout muscularity throughout, yet balanced out by smooth lines and a flowing disposition. This offering also nods to Lars Ivarsson's signature Cup and Ball design, utilizing a dual finish and a well defined ridgeline along the transition to demarcate the different textures.

While the ridgeline along the transition establishes the bowl as a separate element from the smooth shank, the bowl's rusticated finish drives the point home further. Wavy, rusticated rings emanate from the bowl's base and coil all the way up before concluding just underneath the softly inflated rim. And while such a finish is certainly visually striking, it truly can't be fully appreciated until it's held in hand as the deep grooves provide an abundance of fascinating texture. The thick, upwardly curling shank matches the rim's smoothness and chestnut hue, with the end of the shank accented by a silver band, adding a sophisticated touch and elegant contrast to a fascinating smoking instrument.