marTelo: Sandblasted Jatobá with Horn Tobacco Pipe

The Jatobá is a signature shape for Gustavo Cunha of Martelo pipes. It is made to replicate the shape of the fruit pods of hymenaea courbaril, also known as the Brazilian Cherry tree, native to Central and South America and, as you can see, an unusual shape. Rising from the low transition like an ambitious Dublin, it tapers to an angled, naturally curved waistline before reversing the angle inward toward the tobacco chamber. The rim is stylized with a scalloped effect through its center, and the distinctive curve of the near flank rises in steep curvature in comparison to the far flank.

The sandblast is deep and the growth rings gnarly with texture. The heel points forward, but is poised and balanced against the upper transition opposite it. The shank is slender as it leads to the expanding extension of horn, which is well grained and glossy smooth. It's a remarkably lithe and sinuous composition, and certainly retains originality. While Gustavo has built a reputation on his interpretations of English classics, this signature shape highlights his own creativity and design aesthetic.