Ser Jacopo: Calumet Spongia Rusticated Bent Dublin with Silver (R2) (D) (3) Tobacco Pipe

A dynamic, less-often-seen design, this Calumet bent Dublin by Ser Jacopo is a most welcome sight and broadly based on pipes used by Native Americans for their personal use or trade. Calumet is an ambiguous term given the size of the Americas and hundreds of different indigenous cultures within; the name itself was coined by French fur traders in the 17th century. Shape-wise, this piece is bold and whimsical, which is to be expected from the Pesaro pipe-making powerhouse, the gently flaring bowl displaying distinctive beadlines. The shank beneath extends in traditional fashion past the fore, similar to a Cavalier but forgoing the removable foot for a small angular spur, while at the mid-set transition, said shank extends gradually downward as does the stem, turning down at the bit. Striking a fetching profile, it's dressed in the light stain of the Spongia rustication, the craggy texture juxtaposed against the smooth, similarly stained rim and beadlines along with a trim band seen at the shank end. Further commending this piece is an ornately designed, generous silver accoutrement that shows off the artisans' metalworking skills, with the jet-black acrylic mouthpiece lending stark contrast.