Smooth Cutty with Bamboo Tobacco Pipe

Translating to "The Circle" in Italian, Il Cerchio pipes are the work of Angelo del Prete, who began making pipes in 2018 to expand the range of briars available through his own tobacconist shop. His output spans everything from traditional Anglo-French standards to more expressive, modern compositions, with this Cutty being an example of the former.

Rooted in the silhouette of early clay tavern pipes, the Cutty is defined by its poised sense of motion and understated elegance. Here, the form is interpreted with a clean, elegant profile: the aft remains sleek and composed, while the bowl at the fore is gently canted, creating a subtle forward momentum. The bowl itself rises from a reserved heel, swelling into a rounded, full-bodied waist before tapering softly toward the rim. This shaping draws the eye naturally forward, emphasizing the bowl as the focal point. Behind it, a broad transition gives way to a slender shank, which is then extended by three knuckles of bamboo. The bamboo's warm, organic tones provide welcome contrast to the otherwise dark palette, while also adding visual interest to the rear of the composition.

The stummel is finished in a smoky, contrast-rich stain and smooth polish that bring the grain vividly to life. Dense birdseye clusters populate the flanks of the bowl, while cross grain sweeps across the fore and aft. The shaping and grain accentuate one another, creating a cohesive and visually engaging whole.