Smooth Light Cherrywood (Three Jellyfish) Tobacco Pipe

Simone Gaudenzi's brand, Valbruna, bridges the gap between the Italian artisan's two greatest passions: pipes and the sea. Before embarking on his solo career, Gaudenzi worked under the mentorship of Giancarlo Guidi at the famed Ser Jacopo workshop. During this time, he developed a keen eye for design and a deep appreciation for the whimsical Pesaro style. Now the founder of his own brand, his affinity for pipes, the sea, and the Pesaro carving style is evident in every pipe he produces. Moreover, his grading system is heavily centered around aquatic themes; even "Valbruna" is a reference to the legendary underwater city of the same name.

Gaudenzi uses Jellyfish to denote both the size and quality of his briars; as such, this three-Jellyfish Cherrywood is a commendable offering all around. The bowl is exceptionally tall, and that dramatic verticality is emphasized by its stretched, conical shaping. The shank is also quite conical, and both the shank face and the rim are crowned with craggy plateau. Another cone comprises the saddle stem's stylized shoulders, from which point the mouthpiece arcs gracefully toward the bit. Handsome grain covers the entirety of the stummel, which is dressed in a light, smooth finish.