Ser Jacopo: **Spongia Rusticated Billiard with Silver (R2) (A) Tobacco Pipe

When one thinks of Ser Jacopo's pipes, the first image conjured is likely that of eccentrically designed examples of their playful, striking, Pesaro style, or perhaps members of their aptly named Insanus series or artistically inspired Picta line. However, the workshop is equally talented when it comes to rendering pieces of a far more classic leaning, such as this straight Billiard that, while still fairly stylized, is an excellent display of the Italian workshop's skill in subdued shaping. The shank and stem combination form a sleek taper that accelerates after the silver-ringed junction, though the entirety of this taper is through the top of the combination, creating an angular, sloping aft section that, while sleek and low-lying of form, still draws a bit of visual weight away from the bowl. Said bowl sits plump and pert atop a rounded heel, its low-set waistline and softly rounded walls curving slowly into a tapered rim, reminding me a bit of the Brandy shape. It's extremely comfortable in the hand, and the wide transition affords plenty of room to drape a thumb, the natural rustication dressing the stummel offering plenty of texture as it is held.