Smooth Calabash with Bamboo and Polymerized Mammoth Tusk (Double Flash) Tobacco Pipe

When it comes to the Calabash, briar is a rather new movement, as the traditional shape was crafted from specially-grown gourds. Roman Kovalev, however, takes the new materials a step further in this piece. While the stummel is briar, the removable cap has been crafted from polymerized mammoth tusk, using a unique process that Kovalev has applied to a number of materials over the years. The result is stunning — the tusk itself is not perfectly round, so in order to maintain its natural outer ring, the briar has been shaped to follow it, resulting in a slightly wavering design as it flows. Through the base and shank, it hews slightly to the right, transitioning from the cap's shape to a shape which suits the bamboo shank extension — another use of mediums, as well as providing a stunning, pale accent. Here, Kovalev has carefully chosen a compact length of bamboo, with a dense rhythm to its knuckles, which serves to give a touch of extra length and lift to the piece as a whole. Bearing his "Double Flash" grade, the second-highest possible, it's a brilliant example of the carver's immense catalogue of skill and talent.