Smooth Strawberry with Bamboo (82/16) Tobacco Pipe

A shape with which Chris Asteriou has proven a deft hand at fashioning, this Strawberry is not only a visual treat; it's a pleasure in hand as well. The softened, organic curvature of the bowl's form practically melds with the palm, making for sensation akin to the contours of a supple fruit. The lively flame grain follows the surface area of the bulbous flanks, which coupled with birdseye at the rim and underside, make for a pleasing complement to the curled, three-knuckled stretch of bamboo shank, curving upward to lead the eye to the gently-downturned shank. The succinct, Acorn-like spur lends it a playful Danish charm too, especially paired with the aforementioned shank material.

- Daniel Bumgardner