Sandblasted Nautilus Calabash with Mammoth Molar (G) Tobacco Pipe

Out of the five total "G" grade pieces we've received from Sabina Santos, four have been Calabash designs, including the one seen here. The Portuguese carver approaches pipemaking, and especially Calabash shapes, with a fresh creativity that often results in striking color palettes, intricate shaping, and alternative materials, or all three, as seen in this particular rendition. Such a combination makes this piece well-deserving of Sabina's highest grade, designated by the first initial of her son.

What strikes me most about this Nautilus Calabash is the craftsmanship required to carve it and the brilliant color palette Santos showcases. The way the shank curls back and reconnects to the bowl, leaving an open circle like the handle of a teacup, shows such fluidity that it looks as if the briar was actually molded and curved like clay. Stealing the show, then, is the domed rim fashioned from mammoth molar and its vivid blue, cream, and subtle aqua hues in a flowing pattern. With the rim and chamber cap combination able to be removed, it features the Calabash's characteristic cooling chamber within. Sabina didn't stain the rim material, only sealing it and applying a gloss to bring out its natural hues. The black sandblast of the stummel draws focus to the contrasting color, with the inset briar chamber topped with a smooth-polished rim.