Sandblasted Strawberry Wood Fish with Polymerized Dinosaur Bone Tobacco Pipe

One powerful, muscular take on the Fish, this piece from Roman Kovalev of Doctor's pipes really showcases the Russian carver's penchant for organic shaping and tight-knit, stout proportions. Despite its overall breadth, however, Roman's still allowed the form's active lines to shine, particularly in the fin-like curling flare of the shank end and the crisp point along the fore of the bowl. Fitting to the shape's muscular, powerful style, he's crafted this piece from strawberry wood and sandblasted it to a deep, craggy degree, unveiling some very interesting, wild, canyon-like ripples flowing across the stummel — complementing the organic shaping quite nicely. Moreover, the accent used is also something unique to Roman's work: polymerized dinosaur bone, which lends the compositions just a touch of the exotic.

- Andrew Wike