Becker: Sandblasted Strawberry Wood Pickaxe (Three Clubs) (S) Tobacco Pipe

Sleek, precise line work along with pronounced angles characterize this Pickaxe shape from third-generation Italian carver Federico Becker. The shape itself isn't one we commonly see from the carver, and it's fashioned from strawberry wood, making this piece even more intriguing.

While the Pickaxe inherently is crisply defined, the artisan makes this design much more so per his personal shaping style, imbuing the heel with a spur so pronounced it can nearly slice paper. The angularity contrasts with the bowl's overall rounded and stout, cylindrical design. Offering a Stack-like chamber depth, the bowl is set to a deep bend at the transition, followed by a high-kicking shank-and-stem combination. The proportions between bowl and shank are disparate, the lithe shank and slender stem surrendering visual weight to the bowl in Italian neoclassic style.

Wearing a dark-stained sandblast that's contrasted by a light, smooth stain at the chamfered rim, a nomenclature panel along the pipe's underside and a trim ring at the shank end, this piece benefits from the strawberry wood's slightly different grain patterns. Visually and texturally appealing, this piece is a great example of the artisan's talent and versatility.