Alexander Tupitsyn began his pipemaking journey at PS Studio, under the mentorship of Russian master Vladimir Grechukhin. In several respects, Tupitsyn's work reflects the influence of his teacher, particularly in the muscular aesthetic noteworthy in both Grechukhin and Tupitsyn designs. Tupitsyn's work differs, to my eye, in the degree of Danish influence readily apparent in his work. That influence manifests itself in at least two different and sometimes competing tendencies: the use of facets and planes; features that flourished in the work of the late Poul Ilsted, for example, and which have clearly influenced the shaping tendencies of Tupitsyn. The second Danish influence apparent in Tupitsyn's work is a certain softness of line, which can be seen in this Smooth Bent Egg, that calls to mind S. Bang.

It is on the whole an inviting piece: reserved, balanced, and featuring a lovely crosscut grain pattern. For those drawn to Danish classics, Tupitsyn's work is not to be missed.

— Joshua Burgess