Partially Sandblasted Acorn (B) Tobacco Pipe

Max Rimensi, the mind behind Il Duca, has devoted decades of his life to the pursuit of his craft, having entered the world of pipe making at the tender age of 14. The Italian artisan boasts an eclectic style, his portfolio displaying Danish and German influences, as well as those of his homeland. The Acorn has become something of a staple within the artisan's portfolio, with each rendition more impressive than the last, and this latest one being no exception.

This offering combines soft, gentle curves with crisp, angular flourishes for a truly distinctive silhouette. The bowl flares broadly, its walls billowing outward from the narrow, pointed heel to the softly inflated rim. A tight-knit transition introduces a thick, upturned shank with a pronounced flare of its own, and its smooth, contrast-stained face matches that of the rim, save for a subtle kiss of plateau on the former. A brassy inlay further accentuates the shank face, which is joined by a gracefully arcing, vulcanite stem that promotes a relaxed smoking posture. Apart from the light, smooth rim and shank face, the stummel wears a soft sandblast in a dark, smoky hue, revealing the briar's rich grain while still preserving the integrity of the pipe's distinctive silhouette.