Smooth Tulip (Cardinal) (B22) (67) Tobacco Pipe

Jody Davis is among the most renowned American artisans active today, and certainly one of the most well-respected, but he is not only that, he is also a member of Grammy-nominated rock group Newsboys, who have a cumulative four gold records under their belt. Davis is a man of many talents, that goes without saying, but his journey as an artisan began as many do: with a passion for pipes and smoking. After Davis made his first piece and showed it to a friend and colleague, he was put into contact with legendary Danish artisan Jess Chonowitsch who showed him some of his methods and shared his sources for materials. At this point Jody began to immerse himself in carving, dedicating himself to the craft and later working with J.T. Cooke in his Vermont workshop, all of which contributed to his incredible depth of knowledge and refined his eye for detail.

The Tulip is a shape Jody has carved quite a few times in the past, though one which we've encountered precious few of, and among which this example certainly stands out. An ostensibly Danish shape, the Tulip is a profile defined by its gentle curvature and graceful outline, standing apart from the Dublin and the Acorn by virtue of its sweeping heel and domed flare, though it looks most similar to the latter shape. The bowl here can differ across iterations, showcasing a floral look, a more reserved one, or even a highly organic Freehand-esque design, with this piece from Davis being on the more reserved side. Said bowl rises from its heel with a gentle expansion to its walls, creating a look that's charmingly plump and complete with a touch of organic flair thanks to its plateau-capped rim. The bowl's expansion at the fore is part of why this piece stands apart from others, as the flare has been limited through compression at the flanks, not only allowing for an easier fit in hand but lending the outline an ovoid quality from the top and fore that keeps things interesting no matter where this pipe is viewed from. A wide transition enables easy draping of a digit and marks the start of a trim, lifting shank which starts an easy taper that the demurely curved stem continues, providing the silhouette a gestural fluidity that's afforded an air of enhanced elegance here. Dressing this piece is a vibrant contrast stain that unveils a wrapping band of flame grain which surrounds the flanks of the bowl and runs from one side of the shank to the other, framing a wealth of birdseye at the top, rim, and underside.