Smooth Freehand Calabash with Bamboo and Polymerized Oak (Double Flash) Tobacco Pipe

While many of Roman Kovalev's shapes are exaggerated, whimsical takes on traditional shapes, this Freehand Calabash is a more abstract design. Rather than relying on growth rings to create a stacked appearance, he has shaped the briar itself, creating two stacked layers, with a third crafted from polymerized oak. This latter is a great example of Kovalev's skill with accent materials, its dark coloring creating a striking contrast against the warmer, lighter stain used on the briar. At the rear, a bamboo shank with a steady rhythm to its knuckles. The pale coloring adds an extra layer of depth to the overall palette of the piece, while its nodules are set with some of Kovalev's more colorful accents. The stem is not forgotten, either, with a hint of copper giving the impression of organicism, with thin lines like the veins of a leaf. Quite the sculptural piece, with just the right mixture of colors, shaping, accents, and even a hint of plateau at the base, this is a stunning design.