The supple curves and rotund portions of this forward canted Rhodesian remind me of 1940's automobile design, which is definitely not a bad thing, as in my mind some of the most elegant automobiles ever made hail from this era. The dense, tight, and perfectly even flame grain that wraps around the bowl is enough to raise the heart rate, but it is the magnificent birdseye found everywhere else that sends it into complete overdrive. I might even be so brazen as to challenge you to find a piece that is currently available for sale anywhere with comparable birdseye, it really is that good. Of course, the grain has been boldly coaxed forward with a Golden Contrast finish, making for an even more incredible presentation. Many artisans are capable of making a beautifully grained pipe. But the grain here is so symmetric and so perfectly matched to the shape, it represents the consummate interplay between the sculptor and his clay, so to speak. The Black and White Ebony shank ring and stem decoration has been cut so that the two different colors reside on opposite hemispheres- how cool is that? This is an example of pipe making at the highest levels of artistry and craftsmanship. Outstanding work.

Eric Vitriol