Pipe of The Four Elements

[meathod]

Pipe of The Four Elements

This minimalist pipe design is hard carved from a single piece of African Blackwood. The inlays on top of the bowl are of mussel shell, verawood, and blue coral. The three inlays denote the classical elements, air, earth, and water. The bowl itself represents the final element, fire.

This design is my interpretation of an ancient alchemists pipe. Those who would have smoked from it would contemplate the four elements, and perhaps find inspiration for their work. It would have been a gateway to the mind for those seeking answers.

The stem is accented with elephant ivory which has been recycled from an antique ivory carving. The use of ivory helps to solidify the idea that this pipe is from an ancient time.

Bowl: African blackwood

Inlays: mussel shell, verawood, blue coral

Stem: African blackwood, elephant ivory

And, this one is for sale.

[The Smoking Yeti]

Is that... a button?!

Nice pipe- interesting concept as usual, the blackwood is a lovely, and it sets the ivory off quite nicely.

Cheers!

Yeti

[Massis]

Not my favorite pipe you've done, but still a wonderful piece of work and very nicely executed! One day, I will own one of your pipes...

[MonsieurLabo]

I like it man, great concept. I like the inlays.

[meathod]

Is that... a button?!

Yeti

Hahaha, yes, yes it is a button, more or less.

I think the board has been having an influence on me.

Pretty soon I might even post a pipe made from briar...

[scotties22]

Let us know before you do. We'll need to get our coats on before hell freezes over

As always, I love it. It's a little different and tame from your norm (is that possible...do you have a norm?), but I like it.

[wisemanpipes]

sweet pipe, Dan. I bet the owners pleased. in one of the pics it looks like sanding marks on the ivory. but that could be the diamond shaped grain. anyway, like scottie said, I love the pipe as well.

btw stay in your niche. you'll open up a hole can of worms if you start messing around with briar and buttons

-evan

[phmann]

Aha! I recognize that piece from your video I think. Don't worry, I'm not your only stalker.......

[wdteipen]

Interesting piece as usual. The inlays are pretty cool.

[Literaryworkshop]

Interesting. Kind of wish you had been able to use a piece without the sapwood. It kind of distracts from the inlaid buttons. Might it have looked better with the piece inverted and the sapwood running along the bottom of the bowl instead?

[wisemanpipes]

Interesting. Kind of wish you had been able to use a piece without the sapwood. It kind of distracts from the inlaid buttons. Might it have looked better with the piece inverted and the sapwood running along the bottom of the bowl instead?

too late now!!

[Charl]

Well done with the african blackwood! It sure is a bastard to work with.

[meathod]

Interesting. Kind of wish you had been able to use a piece without the sapwood. It kind of distracts from the inlaid buttons. Might it have looked better with the piece inverted and the sapwood running along the bottom of the bowl instead?

too late now!!

Hahaha, yep.

Well done with the african blackwood! It sure is a bastard to work with.

I've worked with it so often now, that I don't even notice how damn hard it really is.

When I get any softer woods in my shop, they feel like butter.