Italian Estates: Ser Jacopo Smooth Bent Billiard with Horn (L1) (Maxima Maxima) Tobacco Pipe

Stamped with dual "Maxima" stamps, this bent Billiard from Ser Jacopo displays the Italian workshop's skill in carving large briars, something that they do quite often and with dramatic results as demonstrated here. At just over six and a half inches long, the reach of this pipe is somewhat reserved for a pipe of this stature, though its shank and stem combination still makes quite the impression. The shank itself lifts out of a wide, cheeked transition and tapers extremely gently to the stem base, its underside possessed of an understated curve. A broad band of horn accents the base of the demurely downturned saddle stem, adding a bit of further intrigue to the aft end of this pipe, while the bend at the bit offers a comfortable smoking posture and bit of poised grace. Up front, the bowl dominates the profile, presenting with a full-bodied outline that takes up much of the visual weight available here. There's a supple roundness to all of the bowl's surfaces, with soft curves through its low-set waistline and a sweeping heel that informs a slight taper to the rim. Comfortable in the hand, this bowl cants forward with a lively gesture, its thick walls and over two and a half inches of height making for a wonderful canvas to showcase the stummel's vibrant ruby-auburn stain.