Sandblasted Dublin (Four Clubs) Tobacco Pipe

Federico's ability to merge the classic forms and style developed by his father, Paolo, with his own creative flourish never ceases to impress me. The sharp heel and trim style of shank and stem of this elongated Dublin, for example, match those pencil-shanked Cutties and the like that defined so much of Paolo's work in the mid-'00s. With that addition alone, Federico has planted the composition deep in the Becker aesthetic — allowing him to make certain tweaks and adjustments while still working within the Becker canon. In this case, that means a touch more cant, a bit more height to the rim, and the very convincing illusion of a subtle inward, concave curve to the fore of the bowl. When paired together, the result is a strong forward momentum in profile, a striking and unmistakable silhouette. Like I said. impressive.

- Andrew Wike