Smooth Lovat with Warthog Tusk (1041) Tobacco Pipe

Wojtek Pastuch is an artisan carver from Poland, who was first introduced to pipe making by Domenico "Mimmo" Romeo, regarded as one of the world's finest briar cutters. From there, Pastuch gained insight and tutelage under Tom Eltang, honing and refining his craft in the elder carver's Danish workshop. Tom's mentorship is reflected in the quality of Wojtek's button work and immaculate finishes, as well as the subtle influence of Danish shaping on Pastuch's pipes, but overall, the younger artisan boasts an aesthetic uniquely his own and immediately recognizable — even with classics such as this Lovat.

First, the deep, ruby stain is a common hue from Wojtek, and while its palette calls to mind the stains of certain English pipes, it's a much deeper and more alluring tone. Second, the shaping of this piece reflects the Polish artisan's signature approach to classic shapes: The proportions of the bowl are slightly more emphasized than those of the shank, the bowl is also lent a strong degree of plumpness and cheeking along the lower flanks, yet the entire pipe is deceptively compact, an aspect not readily discernible from the pictures alone. Lastly, warthog tusk is used sparingly across the artisan pipe-making community, but it's a relatively common material from Pastuch, here comprising the base of the stem in domed formation so as to create the visual perception of a military mount. Artisan craftsmanship combines with a highly practical pipe in this Lovat: a must-have for those who value quality and convenience.