Sandblasted Bent Apple with Hammered Silver (1606) Tobacco Pipe

This Apple is a shape that Jeff Gracik of J. Alan pipes has been working with for some time, changing its proportions slightly and evolving the shape in fascinating directions. This example reflects a Russian design cue in its hearty bowl and thick shank, reminding me just slightly of some of Vladimir Grechukhin's work, re-imagined through Jeff's own singular design framework. The bowl is plump and beautifully rounded, with a lifting forward heel that maintains the gradual arch of the underside in profile. The rim is smooth and gently concave, in the same coloration as the rest of the stummel. In hand, the texture is craggy and medium-deep, the growth rings orbiting the bowl in wavy, concentric circles, with dimpled sandblasted birdseye centered on the heel. To add even more texture to the piece, Jeff has crafted a hammered sterling silver band for the end of the shank, with the side near the stem subtly wavy before introducing the stem, which has a dome-like stem base to harmonize with the curvature of the stummel. It's a remarkable composition destined to be a centerpiece of some lucky pipe smoker's collection, and by one of the preeminent carvers of current artisan pipes.