Claudio Cavicchi: Bologna 2020 Two Pipe Set with Claudio Albieri Leather Presentation Box (05/05) Tobacco Pipe

Continuing with a collaboration that began in 2018, Italian carver Claudio Cavicchi and leather expert Claudio Albieri combine forces to present five two-pipe sets with stunning leather presentation boxes. Each set pairs a smooth finish with a sandblast, both stamped "Bologna 2020" as an homage to Cavicchi's hometown. This set of Poker shapes is serialized as number five.

This pair of Pokers demonstrate the shaping skills and precise finishes identified with Cavicchi's handiwork. Sure Sitters, both feature tall, solid bowls rendered in stout proportions with a gracefully arching shank and stem, one with a saddle stem and one tapered. The finishes are among the Italian carver's most resplendent: a honey-blonde stain illuminating stunning flame grain all around the bowl and freckles of beautiful birdseye cloaking the rim and a well-executed earthy sandblast with stacks upon stacks of concentric ring grain. Both pipes are beyond stunning and the set would be a feather in any collector's cap.

Known for his brilliant pipe accessories, Albieri is a fine leatherworker and this set attests to his skills. He and the Italian carver are good friends and he prepared these handsome leather cases for the express purpose of showing off his friend's stellar selection of pipes. Each pipe has its own special display in the soft, velvety-feeling case.