Sandblasted Dublin with Jupati Tobacco Pipe

Enamored with woodworking from an early age, as much of his childhood was spent in the workshop of his grandfather, Brazilian artisan Luiz Lavos' gravitation toward pipe making was inspired by his uncle, who was an avid enthusiast of pipes. His path in this regard was additionally influenced by his experience with graphic design, allowing him to create innovative and unique designs, many of which are rooted in the classic Danish tradition. This kind of Danish leaning was reinforced through his time spent with Hans "Former" Nielsen, who taught him finishing techniques and further reinforced his already palpable talent.

The Dublin isn't a shape we commonly see from Lavos, though out of the renditions we have seen from him, this piece stands out immediately, with an impressive bowl that commands the focus of the pipe. Said bowl rests atop a pronounced, rounded heel that supports its walls with an understated muscularity as they flare out reservedly toward a broad, smooth rim: its entire form taking on a dynamic forward cant which affords the composition a playful character. The transition is more than wide enough to drape a digit and gives way to a slightly extended round shank which is capped with a domed accent of jupati seed — native to Brazil — and paired to a sleek, trim stem of black vulcanite. Dressed in a crisp, inky sandblast, the stummel here showcases a rippling display of ring grain cascading down the bowl, leading the eye toward its smooth, smoky-stained rim that's rich with birdseye.