Il Duca: Sandblasted Morta Bent Dublin (B) Tobacco Pipe

Il Duca's progressive Max Rimensi has popularized the use of morta as an alternative to briar. The semi-petrified bog oak is often stained jet-black and sandblasted, revealing intriguing, inter-crossing grain patterns that catch the eye, as seen in this bent Dublin. The Italian artisan is known for his diverse portfolio, frequently crafting classic shapes while at the same time contemporizing them through the elegant use of line and curve, which also applies to this minimalist piece.

Shape-wise, the slightly forward-canting bowl flares toward a broad, gently sloping rim from a firm, yet lifting heel. The low-set transition is tucked beneath the rim, accentuating the bowl, which maintains the focal point of the composition. The rounded shank ebbs gracefully and gradually upward, the end displaying a distinctive flare toward the stem. One of the artisan's gorgeous accents of green, black and blue cumberland punctuates the shank face, which is then followed by a slender, jet-black vulcanite stem. A striking piece in both shaping and finish, with Rimensi's time-honored dedication to carving superb smoking instruments, this pipe is sure to enliven any collection.