Smooth Freehand with Bamboo (Four Hearts) Tobacco Pipe

Quite an interesting shape from the late Paolo Becker, this Freehand, to my eye at least, appears to be a combination of the Blowfish shape, and a flounder, as it features a lenticular, Opera-like cross-section on the bowl. That "pinched" form is accentuated by a neat transition, short shank, and slender bamboo extension. As far as the treatment of the bamboo goes, Paolo obviously had an eye for rhythm, as the spacing between shank, stem, and knuckles is spot on. Aside from making for quite a curious form, this design also allows for a much broader canvas upon which to display some particularly choice birdseye along either flank.

- Andrew wike