Sandblasted Apple with Maple Tobacco Pipe

Wojtek Pastuch has held a deep appreciation for pipes since the age of 15, starting a collection of his own after a time and repairing pieces that he could find, not only to expand his rotation, but because he enjoyed it. In doing so he awakened a passion within him that stemmed from an appreciation of the craft and the process of creating these pipes, leading him not only to begin carving his own, but to visit the workshop of legendary Danish artisan Tom Eltang, who helped him on his way. Pastuch showcases a staggering degree of stylistic breadth within his portfolio, from the classic to the unconventional, and even pieces of a more sculptural, whimsical leaning, each novel exploration rendered with a skilled and refined sense of line and balance.

This Apple is among Pastuch's more traditional offerings, featuring a classically proportioned bowl with affably plump walls at the fore of a balanced, round shank. Said shank is adorned with a ferrule of maple, polished and stabilized to a near iridescent shine, creating handsome contrast at the rear of the composition. A slim vulcanite stem brings up the rear of this piece, offering an effortless clench. Dressed in a rugged black sandblast, the stummel boasts stunning ring grain around the bowl, while the smooth auburn rim reveals touches of swirling birdseye.