Sandblasted Bent Egg Tobacco Pipe

Alexander Tupitsyn mentored under Vladimir Grechukhin, and the elder Russian artisan's approach to supple, plump curves and firm muscularity are a clear influence on Tupiysyn's work. The two even collaborate alongside Sergey Dyomin on PS Studio pipes, showcasing the tight-knit community of artisans that have flourished in St. Petersburg, becoming a school of design all its own. This bent Egg illustrates Tupitsyn's ability to craft graceful, refined shapes, with the hearty bowl of this piece boasting a floral aesthetic thanks to the rim cresting at the fore, lending it a forward momentum in profile.

The lenticular shank juts slightly past the transition at base of the bowl, adding an architectural note to the pipe's overall design, before curving gently and tapering gradually to a broad, relative to piece's proportions, shank face. An abbreviated saddle stem of jet-black vulcanite perfectly complements the vibrant, warm tones of the stummel. This piece wears a crisp, low-profile sandblast that accentuates the lively grain patterns of the briar across the bowl, with plenty of calcified birdseye resting at its front. The rim and the bottom of the shank are left smooth, acting as contrasting accents and making for a pipe with plenty of unique texture. Lightweight and elegantly crafted, this piece has an alluring charm that will make it a cherished addition to any collector's rotation.