I was recently researching tobacco pipes online in search of a new changa smoking tool and came across the Japanese Kiseru pipe. They are traditionally constructed in three parts consisting of an often brass pipe head and mouth piece joined in the middle by a length of bamboo. However there are many different styles within every price range as they have become quite a sort after collectors item, especially when sold with the original case and tobacco pouch. As these pipes are used for smoking tobacco the hole at the base of the chamber is quite large but this is easily fixed by fitting a screen with a small hole into the bowl. The smoking bowl is quite small but well large enough to deliver a comfortable hit of your favorite 1/1 changa blend. The pipe I now have in my tool kit feels well balanced at near 20cm in length and is a joy to draw and hold while slipping into the arms of Changas sweet embrace. So if your after a bit of old style traditional elegance to spice up the feel of your next changa session I can well recommend adding a Kiseru to your tool kit.

Cool looking pipe. Looks similar to an old opium or hash pipe. For pipe screens I highly recommend the glass "jumping jack" type screens instead of metal ones. Glass is inert and can easily be cleaned from the thickest resin build up with simple solvents. And they last practically forever.

It's worth a try using the glass cone insert I guess. Given the different sized bowls there could be a risk it wouldn't fit in place well. With my kiseru I molded the mesh into the shape of the bowl, punched a hole in the base and trimmed the excess giving it a nice clean finish. The mesh insert is easily removed so you must be sure not to misplace it. The mesh is easily cleaned once removed, ensuring a smooth flow of smoke with great control over the speed of the draw and therefore the burning temperature of the changa.

"Style is the most important thing in the world" - unattested

Enjoying the moments with my Kiseru.

Does anyone else have the pleasure of spending time with one?

Please post pics.