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Keresaspa: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Keresaspa profile.jpg|295x295px|alt=|thumb|Keresaspa, courtesy of Keresaspa.]] | [[File:Keresaspa profile.jpg|295x295px|alt=|thumb|Keresaspa, courtesy of Keresaspa.]] | ||
[[File:New Logo with Orb of Ishtar Grading stampKeresaspa.JPG|alt=|thumb|295x295px|Keresaspa's stamp, 'Keresaspa' in Latin script, followed by a second stamp indicating the grade of the pipe. Image courtesy Keresaspa.]] | [[File:New Logo with Orb of Ishtar Grading stampKeresaspa.JPG|alt=|thumb|295x295px|Keresaspa's stamp, 'Keresaspa' in Latin script, followed by a second stamp indicating the grade of the pipe. Image courtesy Keresaspa.]] | ||
Keresaspa (Persian: گرشاسپ; Latin: ''Kərəsāspa'') pipes are made by Saeed ‘Keresaspa’ Nazarli (b. 1991), an Iranian pipemaker living in Tehran. Keresaspa is the nickname that he goes by, and the name given to his pipes; it is a transliteration of the name of a an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garshasp ancient Persian mythological figure], which is itself an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avestan Avestan] word meaning ‘he with | Keresaspa (Persian: گرشاسپ; Latin: ''Kərəsāspa'') pipes are made by Saeed ‘Keresaspa’ Nazarli (b. 1991), an Iranian pipemaker living in Tehran. Keresaspa is the nickname that he goes by, and the name given to his pipes; it is a transliteration of the name of a an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garshasp ancient Persian mythological figure], which is itself an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avestan Avestan] word meaning ‘he with the slender horses.’ While there are clear Scandinavian influences in Kerasaspa pipes, both in their aesthetics and in their attention to the intricacies of function, there is a distinctive Persian aspect to their presentation, one that is likely to intrigue Western pipe smokers. It is not only the name 'Keresaspa' that has its origins in Middle-Eastern history and culture; the grades he assigns to his pipes - Ishtar, Shamash, and Seen - all denote deities or symbols from its antiquity; the certificate that accompanies his pipes displays an elaborate rendition of one of the mythological battles of the Zoroastrian [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avesta ''Avesta'',]; Keresaspa pipes are dated using the Old Persian solar calendar; and the 'Keresaspa' stamp was designed by an Iranian master calligrapher. Keresaspa lives with his wife, who also makes pipes under the Avestan name [[Atin]].<ref>The information for this page was provided to the author by Keresaspa.</ref> | ||
Keresaspa began smoking pipes in 2010 began researching them as an enthusiast. He later co-founded the Iran Pipe Club, writing numerous articles about pipes and tobacco for the IPC and serving as its president between 2012 and 2018. | Keresaspa began smoking pipes in 2010 began researching them as an enthusiast. He later co-founded the Iran Pipe Club, writing numerous articles about pipes and tobacco for the IPC and serving as its president between 2012 and 2018. | ||
After graduating from high school, he enrolled in university to study chemical engineering, before switching to a course in architecture. When it came to pipes, Keresaspa was very interested in understanding the engineering behind what makes the mythical ‘perfect smoker,’ and in learning the difference between factory-made pipes and artisan pipes. He was fascinated by high-end pipes, especially those hand made by skilled artisans, but could not afford one for himself. | After graduating from high school, he enrolled in university to study chemical engineering, before switching to a course in architecture. When it came to pipes, Keresaspa was very interested in understanding the engineering behind what makes the mythical ‘perfect smoker,’ and in learning the difference between factory-made pipes and artisan pipes. He was fascinated by high-end pipes, especially those hand made by skilled artisans, but could not afford one for himself. | ||
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In terms of the construction of his pipes, Kerasaspa follows one of two approaches. If he is making a classical shape, everything is planned in advance. If a line is supposed to be flat, it must be exactly level; if a line is supposed to be tapered, it must follow an even decline. Contrary to what a pipe smoker may imagine, the most traditional and common shapes are often the hardest to perfect. For free-hand or free-style shapes, Keresaspa closely studies the works of the aforementioned masters, taking cues from their lines and figures as he first begins to shape the bowl, before taking the design off into directions of his own preference, towards those chosen by the briar’s grain, or following the subtle suggestions of his other materials, such as a piece of bamboo. | In terms of the construction of his pipes, Kerasaspa follows one of two approaches. If he is making a classical shape, everything is planned in advance. If a line is supposed to be flat, it must be exactly level; if a line is supposed to be tapered, it must follow an even decline. Contrary to what a pipe smoker may imagine, the most traditional and common shapes are often the hardest to perfect. For free-hand or free-style shapes, Keresaspa closely studies the works of the aforementioned masters, taking cues from their lines and figures as he first begins to shape the bowl, before taking the design off into directions of his own preference, towards those chosen by the briar’s grain, or following the subtle suggestions of his other materials, such as a piece of bamboo. | ||
The materials Keresaspa makes his pipes from are briar for the stummels and German ebonite for the stem. Sometimes he will use vintage Bakelite or natural Amber for the stem, if he is given the opportunity. In the past Keresaspa has worked with meerschaum and bog oak, but in recent years he has decided to focus on making briar pipes. He will often utilize shank extensions from various types of bamboo, or horn, and has a large collection of decorative materials that he will use as adornments. These include prehistoric fossils such as mammoth tooth or tusk, nacre, amber, horn, bone, exotic woods, and meteoroids. | The materials Keresaspa makes his pipes from are briar for the stummels and German ebonite for the stem. Sometimes he will use vintage Bakelite or natural Amber for the stem, if he is given the opportunity. In the past Keresaspa has worked with meerschaum and bog oak, but in recent years he has decided to focus on making briar pipes. He will often utilize shank extensions from various types of bamboo, or horn, and has a large collection of decorative materials that he will use as adornments. These include prehistoric fossils such as mammoth tooth or tusk, as well as a variety of other materials, such as nacre, amber, horn, bone, exotic woods, and meteoroids. Keresaspa also occasionally incorporates metalwork into his pipes, which he does himself, including the Japanese art of ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mokume-gane mokume-gane]''. | ||
Due to his exacting standards and focus on precision, Keresaspa produces around 30 pipes per year at present. | Due to his exacting standards and focus on precision, Keresaspa produces around 30 pipes per year at present. | ||
[[File:Keresaspa billiards.png|thumb|A selection of Keresaspa briar billiards utilizing various materials, including wild and Buddha bamboo, ebonite, and Bakelite. Created from images courtesy Keresaspa. |alt=]] | [[File:Keresaspa billiards.png|thumb|A selection of Keresaspa briar billiards utilizing various materials, including wild and Buddha bamboo, ebonite, and Bakelite. Created from images courtesy Keresaspa. |alt=]] | ||
When he isn't making pipes, Keresaspa continues to enjoy smoking them. His favorite tobaccos are unflavored blends, typically Virginias, VaPers, and Vaburs, and occasionally Englishes. Keresaspa is also a musician, having played classical and electric guitar since he was young, including in the Iranian band Arrivls. Prior to becoming a pipe maker, Keresaspa apprenticed as a luthier.<br clear=all> | |||
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== Grading and Dating == | == Grading and Dating == | ||