Il Duca: Sandblasted Volcano with Silver (B) Tobacco Pipe

Max Rimensi, the Italian artisan behind Il Duca, is one of the most versatile carvers working today, and he possesses an uncanny ability to deftly shift between a variety of shaping styles. Though boasting a wide range of creative influences, Rimensi fashions pipes through his own creative prism and imbues them with a style all his own. Rimensi prides himself on carving pipes that aren't just aesthetically rich, but also well-engineered, highly functional, and built for durability and enjoyment. This Volcano is a fine example of the carver's work, and a handsome one at that.

We've seen a few renditions of the Volcano from Rimensi before, but while those others tended to be more dramatic and floral in presentation, this piece is relatively subdued. The ridgeline that wraps the wide base of the bowl is softened considerably, more felt than seen, and the taper towards the rim is far more gradual than expected. The heel flows into the transition and curling shank, lending a subtle curvature to the composition and a sense of unity between both ends of the stummel. A warm, smoldering sandblast dresses the stummel and draws out rippling waves of growth rings around the bowl, while also providing a rugged texture to the briar. The sterling silver accent at the shank face provides a dose of flash to the composition and further visual appeal.