Claudio Cavicchi: Smooth Zulu (Perla) Tobacco Pipe

Claudio Cavicchi is truly a master of his craft, and his ability to coax the best possible grain out of every piece of briar will always astound me. Originally a farmer, Claudio was first inspired to make pipes after an order he placed for one with his local tobacconist took many months to fill. What resulted was not only a pipe almost exactly like the one Cavicchi was looking for, but a passion that has lasted nearly five decades, his first piece made in 1974. A world-champion slow-smoker with three titles under his belt, Claudio Cavicchi relentlessly seeks perfection in every pipe that he crafts, not only able to read grain exceptionally well but able to engineer pipes that smoke magnificently. Among his pipes, two gradings reign above all others: the Perla and the Diamante. The Perla, while being slightly more obtainable, is still quite rare, and it is no surprise, given that Cavicchi's tenure has taught him what perfection looks like, and this Zulu certainly approaches perfection. The Zulu is a shape Cavicchi seldom crafts, and its scant presence in his portfolio makes this piece all the rarer. An inherently dynamic shape, the Zulu is defined by its subtle bend, dynamic forward cant, and Dublin bowl, all of which are showcased here. A wide transition gives way to a tapering shank that lifts subtly as it reaches toward a similarly tapering stem of crackling amber acrylic, the consistent taper to the button affording this pipe a lithe, gracile look. The bowl is balanced nicely by the shank and stem, and its rounded heel supports the walls as they expand out to a broad, plateau-crowned rim, its growth out of the transition affording the silhouette of this pipe a Horn-like disposition that hints at a consistent expansion from the button to the rim. Dressing the stummel here is the Perla line's iconic ruby stain, its rich depths unveiling a dense pattern of wrapping flame grain surrounding the bowl and running through the flanks of the shank, a smattering of birdseye showcased across the underside.