Davide Iafisco: Sandblasted Mushroom Tobacco Pipe

Quite the unique take on the Mushroom from Davide Iafisco, this piece is truly impressive in more ways than one, especially considering this is the first time we've seen the Italian carver render the highly organic shape. Notably pioneered by master artisan Jess Chonowitsch, the Mushroom design has continuously been reinterpreted primarily by Danish, American, and German pipe makers. What sets this example apart from others is its strong, dramatic use of asymmetry and firm, well-defined ridgelines. The oval shank nearly calls to mind a tear drop shank in its shaping, but lacks a continuous ridgeline that travels along the shank's underside. From the smoker's perspective, the aforementioned asymmetry is readily noticeable as the shank curves to the right while the bowl primarily favors the left side. The shank gradually curls upward towards the flaring bowl, with its inflated rim perfectly resembling the shape's namesake.

A crisp ridgeline demarcates the rim from the rest of the stummel and tucks the curled transition away underneath the protruding rim. Furthering lending the piece more organicism is the inclusion of rugged plateau along the right side of the rim, standing out just enough against the stummel's jet-black stain. The low-profile sandblast has unveiled a plethora of wavy, rippling grain, creating a real visual treat when the light hits the bowl's surface just right. And for a subtle accenting touch, Davide has chamfered the innermost portion of the rim, leaving it smooth to match the shank face, staining both a smoky walnut tone.