Jacono: Knight Bent Brandy Tobacco Pipe

A stout and sturdy interpretation of the bent Brandy, this piece from Italian workshop Jacono features a bold and substantial bowl, one which draws the eye immediately and speaks to the Neoclassical shaping style the brand is known for. The transition is wide, with plenty of room to drape a digit, and it gives way to a lifting, slightly tapering shank met by a similarly tapering stem of swirling, cream-and-coffee-toned acrylic. This pairing lends the composition a pleasing bit of added verticality, and its slender appearance places further visual emphasis on the bowl. Up front, this bowl stands on a broad, rounded heel that curves smoothly into the fore wall, marking the start of a slight, arcing taper to the rim and surrounding a capacious chamber. Dressing the stummel is Jacono's craggy Knight rustication, the ample texture on offer showcased beneath a rich, earthy stain.

In 1981, Tonino Jacono's father-in-law extended an offer to start a new pipe-making workshop, his father-in-law providing high-quality briar from his job at a briar-cutting mill, his brother shaping the pipes, and Tonino himself doing the finishing. The idea was developed further, and, two years later, the first Jacono pipes were made in 1983 from out of the family's small workshop in Jesi, Italy. Tonino's start at this new venture was guided by a simple principle: offer pipes of the highest possible quality at the best possible price. Tonino now heads the company and has taken on carving responsibilities himself, staying true to his original goal, though benefiting from more than three decades of pipe-making experience and a reputation for excellence.