Claudio Cavicchi: Smooth Billiard with Spalted Beechwood (CCC) Tobacco Pipe

A tapered stem flares gently into a lightly marbled shank accent of a peculiar-looking wood. This is spalted Beechwood, noteworthy for its visual appeal, yes, but also for its origins, coming into being as fungus makes its way into dead trees, coloring the wood with dark swirls and lightening the surrounding area, making for a beautiful accoutrement to any pipe. This Billiard from Claudio Cavicchi is made all the more enchanting due to this addition, its decorated, paneled shank becoming one of the focal points of the pipe, right alongside the expert shaping by the Italian artisan and the smooth honey-blonde finish of the stummel, courtesy of its three "C" grading, which compliments the accent and showcases a beautiful array of flame and straight grain that encircles the bowl.