Silver Gray: Smooth Hawkbill with Spalted Maple Tobacco Pipe

The playfully shaped Hawkbill dates back to 19th century France, its iconic drooping heel and aquiline-like shank and stem easily recognizable. In the 20th century, it was "adopted" by Italian pipe makers, and though it's not known who came up with the Hawkbill, it's been closely associated with Luigi Radice. The talented carver was a pipe maker for Castello when the shape initially appeared in the Italian workshop. It's been interpreted by many carvers since, with this particular piece by Silver Gray being especially noteworthy, as its been crafted from 40-year-old Sardinian briar that Gray acquired from Paul Perry.

The tall, full-bodied bowl here is quite muscular, its center of gravity set at mid-bowl, with tapers seen above and below, resulting in a plump, pleasingly voluptuous fit in hand. It's perched at the end of the aforementioned sharply curved shank and abbreviated cumberland stem, the latter turning down quickly at the bit for that renowned, quirky profile. The American carver has dressed this piece in a walnut-hued smooth finish that highlights gorgeous flame grain across the bowl's flanks. Additionally, she's accented this piece with a band of spalted maple, the hardwood's vibrant hues complementing the briar's complexion.