Il Duca: Sandblasted Bent Dublin with Bamboo (B) Tobacco Pipe

In 1990, Massimiliano Rimensi started to smoke a pipe, sparking an interest in how pipes were made. Already possessing some carpentry skills, Max visited every briar mill, workshop, and tobacconist he could find to learn more about pipes. Max began carving pipes under the name Il Duca, an homage to the medieval history of Ferrara, Italy, his hometown. Max's pipe-making portfolio includes everything from traditional Billiards to mind-bending Freehands. Furthermore, pipes with stylistic flourishes, a wide array of accents, and precise engineering define Il Duca's catalog.

One of Il Duca's more creative interpretations of a pipe shape, this lithe bent Dublin possesses a feathery weight and a lengthy profile. The bowl is perched on a subtle heel, and the walls dramatically flare to a ridgeline, which is shaped into a trim ellipse. Above the ridgeline, the domed bowl smoothly curves to a raised, circular rim, the organic shaping contrasting with the linear flare of the lower bowl. A low-set transition protrudes from the sharp lines of the lower bowl, the briar quickly tapering before flowing into an arrow-straight shank of bamboo. Additionally, the vulcanite stem widens horizontally from the thin shank, creating a substantial mouthpiece while retaining the sleek profile.

The understated color scheme of this pipe revels in dark tones. The black stain on the stummel and jet-black vulcanite are separated by the walnut hues of the bamboo shank. However, the three knuckles of bamboo feature blonde rings, emphasizing a circular theme, which creates a textural parallel to the rippling sandblast that dresses the lower bowl and a visual parallel to the elliptical waistline. Overall, the dark, cohesive colors match well with the sleek profile, giving this lightweight pipe a dignified persona.