Sandblasted Calabash with Spalted Tamarind (Friar) (C20) (11) Tobacco Pipe

Smoothly flowing yet highlighting an upright posture, this Calabash from Jody Davis features a dome-like rim reminiscent of the Mushroom shape's rim as it flows from the tobacco chamber to the outer ridgelines that define the element. A Horn-like flow through the transition leads to a long shank, which is fitted at its end with an elegant ring of spalted tamarind for an understated contrast of color hue, while the stem itself is quite short and flattened into a saddle configuration, leading the eye forward to the stummel thanks to its use of negative space.

The sandblast here is deeply craggy and the growth rings wonderfully concentric as they cross the bowl and circle around in a rising crescendo to the rim. Traditionally dark in color tone, and sublimely comfortable when held in the hand, this is a pipe that will offer considerable smoking pleasure, tactile interest, and visual intrigue as it elevates any collection it may join.