Italian Estates: Castello Collection Occhio di Pernice Hawkbill (K) (2021) Tobacco Pipe

Though the Hawkbill dates back to 1800s France, the shape has become synonymous with Italian pipe making. Castello helped to popularize the shape, and here presents a rather compact rendition of the unique design. As is typical for the form, this piece boasts a plump, almost spherical bowl that stands at the fore of an aquiline curve of shank and stem. The shank-and-stem arrangement's slender build and gradual taper from transition to bit lend the bowl visual prominence within the composition. The warm Collection finish dresses the stummel and highlights a gorgeous tapestry of birdseye across the bowl's flanks. The birdseye is so superb that Castello awarded this piece their prestigious "Occhio di Pernice" designation, which is reserved for pipes with truly exceptional birdseye.