Smooth Asymmetrical Freehand with Boxwood Tobacco Pipe

Ken Dederichs maintains a low annual production rate to ensure the utmost quality, so it's a treat when his work comes to us here at Smokingpipes. The Germany-based, Japanese artisan has a particular aptitude for carving organic forms that often display supple curves and stout proportions, as seen in this compact Asymmetrical Freehand. The rather robust bowl resembles the Cobra design's hood, though with a bit of the asymmetrical shaping for which the title alludes. It's characterized by pronounced ridgelines that sweep around from the rim on both flanks and descend to the narrow heel before sweeping upward through the shank. The panels created allow this piece to sit and most notably frame the handsome cross grain. It's a testament to the artisan's skills that the slightly irregular configuration of the lines are purposeful, with the grain orientation determining the shaping of the briar. This piece is dressed in one of Dederichs' rich contrast stains that illuminates those grain patterns, with cross grain and gorgeous swaths of birdseye engulfing the entire stummel, while a lens-shaped accent of boxwood adds a handsome complement.