Becker Rhodisian

[jefff]

There is a Becker sandblasted Rhodisian on SPC that keeps drawing my eye. The problem is the uneven rim. Am I too picky? I would appreciate the thoughts of others here.

 

[iamn8]

I would expect perfection from such a pipe at such a cost.

 

[mso489]

Asymmetry and unevenness mean different things to different people in different cultures. I'm no student of Japan, but I think in Japanese culture, evenness and uniformity in tableware, for example, denotes factory made cheapness, whereas in well-made pottery, the variations denote the discipline and artistry. That may be what's going on here, although in a different cultural context. But if you find it disquieting, I'd leave it alone, especially at that price level. Let it speak to someone who responds to that approach.

 

[sjfine]

I believe that Becker is known for a certain amount of asymmetry. It is, in part, what draws me to his work.

 

[iamn8]

Perfection is in the eye of the beholder.

 

[jefff]

Thanks. That's what I was thinking. In an otherwise lovely pipe, it would bother me every time I smoked it.

 

[fnord]

Guys:
I love that funky indentation on the right top side of the bowl. That stated, Jeff, if it would bother you then walk on by.
I'm pretty button downed, straight laced and by the book. But, I'm certainly not blind to the attractiveness of something out of kilter. And Lord knows the top of that Rhodesian certainly qualifies, and I certainly like it.
Fnord

 

[fishnbanjo]

I have 3 Maya desnuda Becker pipes, a perfect one in Morta by Paulo, a magnificent one in Olive Wood by Federico and one in Strawberrywood by Paulo with a deeper deviation than the Rhodesian on SPC. Paulo allows the flow of the wood in the stummel to dictate the shape with any deviation worked into the flow, I think he did an outstanding job on the Strawberrywood one I have, a trio to be proud off. The only thing that would make it complete were if I had one in briar. Cheers.

banjo

 

[jefff]

Sighs..... Maybe i'll reconsider. It would be nice to be able to put my hands on it.