Rind Billiard with Faux Bamboo (2025) Tobacco Pipe

One of the most recognizable marques in Italy today, the Radice workshop was founded in 1980 when Luigi Radice decided to embark on a new pipe-making journey alongside his two sons, Gianluca and Marzio. Previously, Luigi made pipes for Castello, and before that, Caminetto. Under his new namesake brand, he offered high-quality pipes carved in the unmistakable Italian neoclassical style. He experimented with innovative new designs, new rusticating and carving styles, and oil curing. This Billiard showcases several of the aforementioned techniques, which are still used by the marque to this day.

With its rusticated bowl and bamboo-inspired shank, this piece possesses a variety of textures and finishes that are intriguing to behold not just with the eyes, but with the hands as well. The bowl is subtly plump with a slight taper toward the rim, and wears a lively rustication and an earthy stain. Starting at the transition, the shank has been carved to resemble bamboo, its smooth texture periodically punctuated by two dotted ridges. The rim is also smooth, and displays some hearty cross grain. A succinct saddle stem tops of the composition, its shoulders flaring slightly to mimic the grooves of the faux bamboo. Measuring a little over 4.5 inches in total length, this pipe verges closely on Nosewarmer territory and is well-suited for travel and general on-the-go smoking.