Sandblasted Lovat with Silver (101/18) Tobacco Pipe

Anyone familiar with Chris Asteriou's portfolio ought to immediately recognize this piece as the Greek artisan's handiwork. From form to finish, this Lovat fits squarely into Asteriou's penchant for English classics, most often dressed in a dark sandblast to contrast gorgeous accents of sterling silver. On par with, say, a Group 4 size, the bowl offers a generous amount of chamber while still retaining the sleek lines of the shank. Softly rounded and ever-so-bulging of waistline, the insulating walls fit effortlessly in hand, affording a stimulating texture thanks to one of Chris's ring grain-adorned sandblasts. Behind, then, trails an elongated shank that tapers gradually through the shank-end, fitted with a broad band of sterling silver that does well to continue the taper from the transition. Anyone interested in Chris's work should consider this piece — it covers much of his signature style from the dress pipe finish and the stunning silver work to the traditional profile and crisply chamfered, innermost portion of the rim, stained a warm walnut hue.