Smooth Elephant's Foot (CCC) Tobacco Pipe

While Claudio Cavicchi's portfolio is comprised primarily of Italian neoclassic renditions, he's also known to throw in the occasional, Scandinavian-inspired piece, from the iconic paneled Horn design to this Elephant's Foot (both shapes originating from Swedish carver Bo Nordh). Flanked by crisp panels, the fore of this piece bulges plumply, resting firmly in the palm, while the heel tapers toward a paneled point in profile. Though the shape is rooted in the Danish tradition, Cavicchi has rendered it here in his conventional Italian proportions, offering a modest chamber depth and sturdy, insulating walls surrounding it. Also typical of Claudio's work, this piece is a grain-lover's dream — the panels display vivid cross grain patterns, and the fore is a storm of birdseye clouds. At the junction, the narrow accent band's inky-black nicely complements the stummel's honey-blonde stain.