Italian Estates: Posella Smooth Volcano (F2) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

Posella's mainly neoclassical shaping style lends itself well to crafting pieces such as this Volcano, a pipe whose bowl-forward visual weight is immediately apparent. The shank and stem here are positively gracile in comparison to the bowl, and this immediate disparity in presence draws the eye to the bowl readily. However, the shank and stem are able to balance a bit of this impressive visual weight thanks to their muscular paneling, showcasing a square shape from transition to stem base that tapers as it reaches toward the bit. In addition, the shank looks particularly dynamic thanks to the remarkable upturn present in the base, one of the Volcano's signature shaping elements. This upturn poises the stem higher than the rim of the pipe and pulls a touch more visual weight toward the aft side. Up front, the bowl stands atop the base's forward-urging heel, the lowest point of the pipe and one that marks the bowl's sleek, swift taper to the rim. Despite the concision of this taper, the bowl is still rich with substance, its hearty build leaving plenty of room to showcase a warm, light stain and stunning grain.