Sandblasted Tomato with Lignum Vitae (774) Tobacco Pipe

After graduating from the Columbus College of Art and Design, American artisan Bill Shalosky began his pipe career working in restoration and repairs. Shalosky now works as one of the artisans at BriarWorks in Tennessee, crafting pipes that range in design and shape. This Tomato from Shalosky is a muscular rendition of the shape-chart standard, combining impressive line work with unique accents and shaping. Up front, the squat bowl appears to urge forward due to the sweeping profile of the aft. Nestled inside said bowl is a compact tobacco chamber, ideal for those seeking short and satisfying smoking sessions. Cheeking around the transition gives way to a shank, rounded along the right flank and informed by a sharp ridgeline on the left, giving its face a teardrop-like silhouette. A flaring accent of lignum vitae protrudes from said face, connecting to the shoulders of a vulcanite saddle stem. The stummel of this piece is dressed in a ruby-tinged sandblast, highlighting growth rings on the bowl and providing ample texture to enjoy.