Claudio Cavicchi: Smooth Elephant's Foot (CCCC) Tobacco Pipe

While Claudio Cavicchi's portfolio is composed primarily of Italian neoclassic renditions, he's also known to throw in the occasional, Scandinavian-inspired piece, from the iconic Horn design to this Elephant's Foot (both shape's originating from Swedish carver Bo Nordh). Flanked by crisp ridgelines, the fore of this piece bulges plumply, resting firmly in the palm, while the entire form tapers down to a sharp point in profile. Though the shape is rooted in the Danish tradition, Cavicchi has rendered it here in his conventional Italian proportions, offering up loads of chamber depth and sturdy, insulating walls surrounding. Also typical of Claudio's work, this CCCC-graded piece is a grain-lover's dream, with the flanks and fore displaying vivid flame grain, while the aft boasts dense birdseye.