Claudio Cavicchi: Smooth Volcano (CCC) Tobacco Pipe

A strikingly unique, Japanese-style Volcano is presented here from Italian artisan Claudio Cavicchi, the bowl kept rather large, in line with the Italian neoclassical style, though stylized in a way not often seen from Claudio. Said bowl is extremely low lying and squat, under an inch and a half tall, but is quite broad and expansive, the base wrapped with a firm ridgeline which pushes through both flanks of the shank's underside. This frames the outline of the shank and firms up the composition overall, contrasting the soft curves that make up the uplifted stretch of briar's top portion. The base of the stem continues these ridges until its saddle orientation dips into the bit, taking on a demure downturn for a comfortable smoking posture. A "CCC" graded piece, the stummel here has been dressed in one of Cavicchi's iconic honey-blonde stains, revealing wrapping flame grain through the flanks and around the bowl.