Ser Jacopo: Picta Magritte Sandblasted Bent Billiard with Silver (S1) (D) (20) Tobacco Pipe

Inspired by the works of great artists from around the world, Ser Jacopo founder Giancarlo Guidi started the Picta line of pipes, recreating those pipes seen in famous works of art. Such is the case with this bent Billiard, a piece inspired by René Magritte's Musical Moments, and its melodious origins are further emphasized by twin bands of silver at the rim and junction that display carvings of stylized sheet music. The bowl is quite tall, rising to over two inches in height, and contains a capacious chamber surrounded by thick walls sure to insulate the fingers. The heel this bowl stands upon sweeps forward and lifts, becoming firmer as it turns up into the walls of the bowl, creating a nice confluence of firm line and soft curves. A wide transition leaves plenty of room to drape a thumb, and the shank which ebbs out of it is gently upturned and tapers consistently through the junction and into the stem, lending the aft of this piece a nicely sleek look that emphasizes the bowl. Dressing the briar here is a lively sandblast, offering a crisp texture under an inky stain, with smooth portions at the shank end and rim left smooth and more lightly stained.