Italian Estates: Radice Rind Bent Billiard Tobacco Pipe

Almost twenty years before Radice was established, its founder, Luigi Radice, began his journey with briar pipes at the now-iconic Castello workshop. In 1968, Luigi and Giuseppe Ascorti teamed up to create the Caminetto brand, but Luigi eventually left and founded Radice in 1980. With the help of his father and sons, Gianluca and Marzio, Luigi created a family business known for their unique spin on neoclassical pipes, as well as their singular accenting and finishing techniques.

This bent Billiard from Radice is a curvaceous and robust rendition of the shape that leans heavily into the Italian neoclassical style. From a sweeping heel, the softly paneled walls of the bowl cant forward as they rise to a lenticular rim that looks into a spacious tobacco chamber. The ridges that define these panels continue through the shank and extend into the acrylic stem, creating an angular bend and pointed area that naturally draws the eye. The design and texture of this Billiard provide a satisfying feel in the hand as a result of the soft panels and broad aft of the bowl, as well as the rich rustication.