Martelo: Sandblasted Billiard with Bamboo and Peroba Tobacco Pipe

Gustavo Cunha, the Brazilian carver behind MarTelo pipes, developed an interest in woodworking at a young age, crafting bows and arrows from scratch for his friends. It was an auspicious start to his pipe making journey, as both bows and pipes require a keen eye for shaping and balance. Cunha eventually attended university to study furniture design, a trade that provided him with the tools and workspace needed to experiment with crafting pipes. A visit to Tom Eltang in Denmark further spurred Cunha's interest in pipe making, and before long the Brazilian artisan had turned an interest and hobby into a full-time career. His work showcases a special aptitude for stylized finishes and dramatic forms that take inspiration from the natural world.

This Billiard is a rather striking display of Cunha's craftsmanship. It pairs a pert, upright bowl to a sleek stretch of shank and stem, resulting in a streamlined profile that's lean and sophisticated. The shank is extended by four knuckles of bamboo whose warm complexion and natural texture nicely complemented the finish. Each side of the bamboo is additionally accented with small nodes of peroba wood, which further emphasize the bamboo's placement within the composition. A gorgeous tanblast dresses the stummel and draws out rippling growth rings across the flanks of the bowl, providing a bounty of tactile and visual allure. A handsome design with no shortage of charm, this piece will no doubt make a welcome addition to any collector's rotation.