Emiliano: Smooth Asymmetrical Volcano Tobacco Pipe

Emanuel de Queiroz Emiliano started smoking a pipe while in seminary as a young man, growing a love for the solitary and singular companionship shared by a smoker and their pipe. As he smoked, Emanuel became aware of the world of artisan pipes, soon discovering the works of fellow Brazilians Gustavo Cunha of MarTelo pipes and Flávia Rodrigues. Inspired by the work of his countrymen, Emiliano made a pipe of his own using only rudimentary tools, meeting success immediately as photos of his first piece drove a wave of commission requests. As he worked and grew his skills as an autodidact, Emiliano established his own workshop in Curitiba, Brazil and later went on to learn under artisans such as Angelo del Prete of Il Cerchio pipes, Angelo Fassi, and Luiz Lavos. Drawing on design schools from across the world, Emiliano crafts pipes that are often complex and sophisticated, evidenced well by this asymmetrical Volcano.

The Volcano is a shape that lends itself well to both structural and organic renditions, its bold shaping and strong lines lending themselves easily to stylization. Here, the asymmetry of the silhouette contributes strongly to a defined sense of organicism, affording this pipe a look similar to that of volcanic islands. The wrapping base which defines the lower build of this profile is here surrounded with a firm ridgeline, outlining the bowl's leftward curve and its ovoid look while additionally marking the start of its walls' easy upward taper to a softly chamfered rim. The slope of these walls makes for a comfortable feel in hand, and the asymmetry extends to their taper, with the left flank of the wall making a more swift diminution compared to the right. A wide transition out back leaves plenty of room to drape a digit and gives way to a gently lifting shank which flares out to its domed face, revealing a crisp, semi-ovoid shape that's inlaid with a brass band. A demurely curved stem of black vulcanite pairs to the shank via push-mount, the brass band offering reinforcement and a subtle bit of contrast against the stummel's warm walnut stain: one which unveils wrapping flame grain surrounding the bowl and a vast sea of birdseye across the underside.