亚伯哈博:喷砂弯把白兰地烟斗
Abe Herbaugh: Sandblasted Bent Brandy

Many artisans have tried their hand at a more literal interpretation of the Brandy shape — exaggerating the low-set waistline and taper up to the rim to create forms that actually resemble a brandy glass. Those aspects are definitely emphasized here in this variation from Abe Herbaugh, but perhaps to a very different effect. Rather than emulating the look of a brandy glass proper, it seems to follow more organic lines, actually reminding me of a pitcher plant in its near-bulbous waistline and dramatic taper and flaring, forward-reaching lip.

Of course, that eccentric shaping does more than make for an impressive and natural silhouette. It also makes this a remarkably comfortable shape in hand, with the crook of the thumb neatly falling in along the pronounced waistline. It's finished here in a rich, ruby contrast stain and sandblasted crisp to reveal acres of blasted birdseye along the fore, aft, and top of the shank, with neat rows of flame and growth rings running down either flank.

- Andrew Wike