Sandblasted Bulldog with Ivorite Tobacco Pipe

Gustavo Cunha, the Brazilian artisan behind marTelo pipes, combines his background in woodworking and furniture design to create a diverse portfolio, ranging from traditional designs to organic Freehands. MarTelo's mission is to preserve the pipe-smoking tradition by crafting pipes with a soul — living pieces that evoke happiness from his clients and friends. Rendered in Nosewarmer proportions, yet proportionally muscular, this Bulldog is a fetching take on the classic design. As the traditional design demands, this piece pairs a beadline-wrapped bowl to a brief combination out back, and MarTelo has maintained muscular proportions throughout the stummel to create a stout and sturdy rendition. The bowl is set to a gradually tapering diamond shank and stem for a uniform sleekness. MarTelo's sandblasts often vary in texture and depth, with this Bulldog displaying one of the carver's softer versions, highlighting the briar's growth rings and contrasting the pale ivorite accent along the junction. The hues of the stummel are complemented by the hand-cut, brindled mouthpiece of tan, cream, and blue for an overall warm color palette.