Il Duca: Sandblasted Natural Billiard (B) Tobacco Pipe

Playful and demure, substantial in length but light in weight, this straight Billiard from Max Rimensi of Il Duca is a bit of a contradiction, but in a way that is undeniably attractive. The profile is neoclassic with a capital "N," as we often see from the Italian artisan, with the bowl growing from a rounded heel to reach a girth quite impressive in proportion to the pencil-thin shank and stem. The division of mass keeps the visual weight forward, and allows a capacious chamber while keeping the overall weight quite light.

The grain radiates downward from above the pipe, dressing the bowl in cascading growth rings elevated by a precise sandblast. Already beautiful as it is, the pipe's virgin natural finish will grow in bespoke character with a unique patina gained from time and smoking sessions. The sleek, hand-cut tapered vulcanite stem provides the perfect complement, flaring from the compressed circumference of the shank to become a svelte fishtail for a comfortable perch between the lips.