Sandblasted Tomato with Bamboo Tobacco Pipe

Having studied under Teddy Knudsen and Claudio Cavicchi, it's no wonder how Davide Iafisco earned the reputation he has now. Considered an incredibly skillful pipe artisan, Iafisco pulls inspiration from various schools of design when crafting his pieces, which are often unique and organic renditions of shape-chart standards. This Tomato is a classic example of Iafisco's work, as it combines elegant shaping with stunning materials and hues. Up front, the walls of the plump bowl rise and expand from a lifted heel toward an asymmetrical rim that looks into the compact tobacco chamber, ideal for short and satisfying smoking sessions. An abbreviated shank extends from the transition as it gives way to a lifted section of bamboo that stretches toward the stem. The three knuckles of bamboo are left light and natural, adding a colorful contrast to the otherwise dark pipe. The inky vulcanite saddle stem pairs well to the dark sandblasted finish dressing the bowl, save for the rim, which is left smooth to highlight impressive grain.