Sandblasted Fig (B) Tobacco Pipe

Max Rimensi of Il Duca has devoted decades of his life to his craft, having entered the pipe-making world at the mere age of 14. The Italian artisan boasts an eclectic style, his portfolio displaying Danish and German influences, as well as those of his homeland. This Fig is a lovely offering from Rimensi, and it showcases his penchant for carving beautifully organic forms.

The rare Fig shape is defined by an Acorn-like bowl with a plump, inflated rim and a spur-like heel. Given Rimensi's penchant for carving Acorns, it's no surprise that the artisan would tangentially branch out and try his hand at carving a Fig. This is a lovely iteration, to be sure, and replete with Rimensi's own unique style. The bowl is rather tall, and it takes on a forward-urging curve as it's paired to an incredibly high-kicking, flaring shank. Though the heel of the bowl is quite narrow, and fairly visually distinct from the rest of the form, it's not quite spur-like, but it does offer a sturdy point on which the pipe can stand upright on its own. A gracefully arcing, pressure-fit stem of vulcanite tops off the composition, while a striking, high-contrast sandblast draws out the briar's dynamic grain patterns in vivid tactile detail. If you are someone who appreciates Rimensi's skilled approach when it comes to carving Acorns in particular, this Fig is a refreshing yet still familiar offering from the artisan that you won't want to miss.