G. Penzo: Smooth Apple with Horn (Flame) (A) Tobacco Pipe

Giacamo Penzo consistently demonstrates a keen understanding of line in his work, and I think that this straight Apple in particular highlights the Italian artisan's skill in this area. There's a fair bit of difficulty in imbuing a straight pipe with momentum, as it's easier to build gesture with curves than without, though they have the distinct advantage to being able to make the most out of angular slope, which this pipe demonstrates excellently. From the transition the shank and stem take on a consistent taper down to the button, starting slim and getting ever more slender, making for a look that's actually rather sharp and aerodynamic. This isn't just a slenderizing shaping detail, though it does certainly lend this pipe a lighter weight, but one that actively emphasizes the presence of the bowl, as if the briar at the transition were pushing on the bowl itself. I say this to point out the bowl's striking forward cant, a feature that lends the stummel a great deal of implied motion, and an active, sprightly disposition given its compact and portable build. The bowl itself is wonderfully plump, with softly rounded walls that grow out from a sweeping heel to an angled waistline, further building momentum while keeping things extremely comfortable in hand. The color palette of this pipe is quite nice, both traditional and contemporary, pairing a horn-fitted cumberland stem with the vibrant auburn stain of the briar. There's some rich contrast among the colors, but all of them are complementary, and the stain reveals some beautiful flame and cross grain wrapping around the flanks, with birdseye throughout the aft and underside.