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

Marked by contrasting proportions, crisp line work and an overall sleek demeanor, this Apple from Max Rimensi of Il Duca is another example of the Italian artisan's finely tuned shaping and finishing skills. Max has long demonstrated an ability to create superlative pieces within any design school and this rendition displays Danish and Italian influences. The naturalistic, bulbous bowl presents supple contours and a gentle taper toward the rim, dominating the slender pencil-thin shank with which it's paired. The stummel is dressed in one of the carver's rugged, contrast-stained sandblasts, highlighting the briar's handsome growth rings, while a gleaming silver accent band lends a fetching contrast.