Sandblasted Natural Rhodesian with Horn Tobacco Pipe

In 2014, Angelo Del Prete took over a tobacco shop. However, the shop was lacking in high-quality pipes, so Del Prete decided to fix that problem himself and began his career as a pipe maker. Looking to expand his skillset, Del Prete visited and learned from two of Italy's most talented pipe makers, Max Rimensi of Il Duca and Davide Iafisco. Today, Del Prete has cultivated his own style, one with Italian roots but also inspired by Danish aesthetics. Del Prete prioritizes compositional harmony and deft engineering, which are represented by the Il Cerchio name, which means "the circle" and represents balance — from traditional shapes to inventive Freehands these aesthetic pillars define every Il Cerchio pipe.

This pipe is the first Rhodesian we have seen from Il Cerchio. It's always fascinating to see a pipe maker experiment with new shapes, especially when they lend a unique twist to the shape. This Rhodesian by Il Cerchio is a playful interpretation of the traditional shape, combining a variety of disparate aesthetics and designs. At the fore, the bowl showcases the classic, two-part construction of the Rhodesian, presenting a liner taper to the rim and an arcing taper to the heel, which are demarcated by a singular beadline. However, the lower bowl revises the archetypal muscularity of the shape, as it tapers to a sharp heel reminiscent of the Acorn shape. This design cue accentuates the craggy sandblast; undulating growth rings extend from heel to beadline, while the upper tapered bowl showcases pockmarks of birdseye, enhancing the contrast of the composition. Out back, the shank is exceptionally slim. It tapers inward and joins to a horn accent, which flares to the shank face, which manifests a flowing, willowy profile. Furthermore, Il Cerchio utilizes a particularly choice piece of horn, with it's jet-black hues pairing perfectly with the vulcanite stem, while streaks of white poke through on the flanks for a subtle flourish of color. Additionally, the mortise is fitted with a brass ring, but it offers a pressure-style arrangement. Overall, this Rhodesian eschews the shape's traditional muscularity, instead opting for a trim elegance that provides a dynamic contrast. Hopefully, we will see Il Cerchio lend his talents to the Rhodesian shape more often after this spectacular piece.