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 Rind Billiard showcases several of the aforementioned techniques, which the marque still uses 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 showcases rather classic Billiard shaping, but wears a lively rustication and vibrant auburn 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, showcasing a display of hearty cross grain. Joining the stummel is a short, saddle stem whose sleek, streamlined appearance creates a striking contrast with the texturally complex shank and bowl.