Moonlight Lotus Pod Handmade Briar Pipe, New

Description

While some pipe-makers take inspiration from the natural world, or from the technologies of present and past, few of them in the contemporary seek to represent these forms in their work. Czech artisan Ondrej Bárta of Moonlight pipes does just that, in a way that recalls the intricate, figural carvings of briar pipes from the turn of the 20th century. But Ondrej also departs from the figural approach of early briar pipes by combining it with high-grade materials and a careful attention to grain patterns that is far more modern.

There are many ways to finish a briar pipe, though typically these finishes fall into one of, or a combination of, three categories: smooth, sandblasted, and rusticated. An argument could be made that this pipe from Ondrej’s Moonlight make falls into the latter category, but I don’t think that would be entirely accurate. Rustication can add depth to a pipe’s look, but this Moonlight goes well beyond the average Sea Rock or Donegal Rocky in that regard. Instead, it has been carved in a way strongly reminiscent of the seed pods of the lotus flower, or vines wrapped around a tree. I imagine the numerous hollows covering the stummel will be excellent for keeping heat away from the hand during smoking, too.

 

Details:

Length: 7″ / 177.8mm

Bowl Width: 0.80 / 20.32mm

Bowl Depth: 1.35″ / 34.29mm

Weight: 2.6oz / 76g