Il Cerchio: Sandblasted Paneled Shank Acorn with Boxwood Tobacco Pipe

Il Cerchio pipes are handcrafted by artisan Angelo del Prete in Pordenone, Italy. The name Il Cerchio, meaning "The Circle" in Italian, symbolizes the balance and consistency that del Prete emphasizes in each design, enhanced by his exceptional craftsmanship and artistic vision. This Acorn by Il Cerchio is dressed in a dark sandblast that showcases the briar's growth rings remarkably well. The bowl's plump figure is formed by walls that reach from a pointed heel to a domed rim, making it almost teardrop-like in silhouette. The transition leaves plenty of room to drape a digit, as it gives way to an elongated shank. The shank flares out from the bowl and is formed by hexagonal paneling that is nicely outlined at the shank's face, which is capped with an accent band of pale boxwood. The profile is complete with a concise, cumberland stem that features an expansion ring at its base. This piece is also a steady Sitter, thanks to its spur-like heel and paneled underside.