S. Senatorov Sandblasted Squat Brandy Estate Briar Pipe, Latvian Estates

Description

Latvia is not a country commonly associated with pipe-making, but it should be. After all, Charles Peterson was originally born in that same Baltic state. In more recent years, a host of highly talented Latvian artisan carvers have emerged onto the global pipe scene. One of these artisans, a former apprentice to Russia’s Victor Yashtylov, is Sergei Senatorov.

Squat pipe shapes are not entirely new in the pipe world. From the traditional banker and bullmoose shapes, to the modern eskimos and tomatoes, pipe-makers have explored distinctly low-slung designs to great effect. With the latter, and with freehand carving in general, there are opportunities to tinker with a squat figure in ways that otherwise wouldn’t be possible. This squat brandy from Sergei Senatorov, for example, is particularly organic in feel, being perhaps closer in shape to persimmons or Saturn peaches. It also features a design element that I’m very partial to, that being a shank that sits slightly lower in relation to the bowl than it ordinarily would, creating an “under-travel” effect, while also emphasizing the plumpness of the bowl. As a final touch, Senatorov has applied an amber-like ferrule at the end of the pipe’s shank, providing a brilliant contrast with the stummel’s contrast sandblasted finish.

The condition is excellent. I don’t see anything significant to point out in terms of issues, but please consult the photos for yourself before purchasing.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.71 / 18.03mm

Bowl Depth: 1.08″ / 27.43mm

Weight: 1.8oz / 52g