Il Duca Sandblasted Rhodesian (B) Tobacco Pipe

Massimiliano "Max" Rimensi began working with wood in his uncle's shop at age 14, giving him a fascination with carpentry that preceded the purchase of his first pipe. It was in that same shop that Max made his first pipe, the result of which didn't satisfy him but the process of which enthralled him. Though located in Occhiobello, southwest of Venice near Italy's Adriatic coast, Max's fanciful shapes take inspiration from all over, crafted with briar he lets dry for years before shaping.

This Rhodesian of Max's making is sandblasted in a way that provides a relatively soft touch to the briar but preserves a wealth of grain across the stummel, both above and below the single beadline. The rounded shank is backed by a minutely bent length of vulcanite that tapers lightly on its way back to the bit. The bowl is typical of the Rhodesian with an average slope of the beadline, but Max's eye for grain and sandblast alike makes this piece truly unique.