While Gurra’s shapes can run the gamut from the fantastic, to semi-traditional, all the way to downright whimsical, very few exceptions, the aesthetic that underlines the Master’s vision centers on the relationship between the curve and the line. While a bit overly broad, the greater the opposition of those two elements, the greater the visual impact (“POW!”), the gentler the juxtaposition, the more the piece becomes immediately approachable. That theme (of course) is subtly present in this Gurra signature, and the visual appeal is intuitive and delightfully comfortable.

Graded an Ace, Gurra’s top marque for a pipe that leaves his workbench, the cross grain on the sides and top of the bowl are painfully beautiful to behold, and the dense, wonderfully contrasted birdseye almost have me reaching for my sunglasses. Gurra never skimps on his attention when it comes to your new pipe, and that generosity carries over to his accessorizing materials; in this case some of the loveliest musk-ox horn that I have ever beheld.

Just imagine this regal beauty sitting on your desk. Better yet, imagine it nestled comfortably in your hand, with wisps of your favorite tobacco curling heavenward. That’s the picture…

Bear Graves