Claudio Cavicchi: Brown Sandblasted Bent Billiard Tobacco Pipe

A fairly traditional take on the old bent Billiard from Claudio Cavicchi, this piece nonetheless offers some additional flair to the bowl, displaying a distinct taper from rounded heel to rim, with a waistline that's plump and supple. It's topped by a gracefully arcing shank-and-stem combination, the latter downturned to promote a comfortable smoking posture. Although the Italian artisan is known for his handsome smooth stains, with the warm blonde finish a particular standout, he is clearly talented at rendering sandblasted pieces, as seen here. The warm auburn stain shows hints of tan tones that are accentuated by the smooth, blonde rim and a trim ring at the shank end, while the growth rings are especially pronounced as they climb the bowl.