J. Alan Partially Sandblasted Blowfish (674) (2012) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

Crafted by Jeff Gracik, J. Alan pipes are revered for their refined shaping, stunning finish work, and exceptional overall craftsmanship. Moreover, J. Alan pipes are known for their hand-cut stems featuring distinct lip buttons that make them instantly recognizable to — and deeply appreciated by — connoisseurs of the brand.

Dynamism, movement, and asymmetry: These characteristics are almost always a guarantee in any iteration of the Blowfish, yet they are especially prominent in this rendition from Gracik. Throughout the stummel, there's a beautiful alternating pattern of sandblasted and smooth finishes; this pattern is created by the flowing ridgelines that carry over to the underside of the shank from the overarching panel traveling through the top of the bowl. On the subject of the bowl, it features some lovely, subtle details that elevate the form's overall appearance: The rim is neatly chamfered, and takes on a concave curve that invites the eye to gaze within. Moreover, the "fin" of the Blowfish is crisp and concise — prominent without being garish. This subtlety can only be achieved by a skilled craftsman such as Gracik and, as mentioned previously, he applies that same craftsmanship to his stems. This offering features a comfortably bent stem fashioned from vulcanite, and the stummel wears a rich, smooth finish that showcases the briar's grain with stunning clarity and no shortage of elegance.