Rinaldo: Sahara Pot with Silver (YYY) (1) Tobacco Pipe

A Pot that truly emphasizes the shape's stocky, muscular demeanor, this pipe from Rinaldo is an excellent example of the Italian workshop's effective use of the neoclassical style. What's highlighted the most here is the thickness of the stummel, with the stem taking on a sleek taper from the top of its base to the button, with the underside's flat trajectory lending the aft side of the pipe a low-profile presence. This style of stem shaping effectively highlights the stummel, and its slight angularity does well to echo the crisp turn of the pronounced heel. Said heel supports a solid, sturdy bowl possessed of a breadth nearly equal to its height, making for a commanding presence in hand whose stout form is strengthened by a right-angle transition that leaves plenty of room to drape a digit. A rugged sandblast dresses the stummel, revealing handsome growth rings throughout the bowl's walls and contrasting vividly against the trim silver band adorning the junction, the broad, smooth rim showcasing whorls of birdseye beneath its light stain.