Sandblasted Bent Apple with Boxwood (B) Tobacco Pipe

Max Rimensi of Il Duca has devoted decades of his life to his craft, having entered the pipe-making world at the mere age of 14. The Italian artisan boasts an eclectic style, his portfolio displaying Danish and German influences, as well as those of his homeland. The bent Apple is no stranger to Rimensi's portfolio, and this particular iteration is certainly an appealing one with its distinctive silhouette and tactile sandblast.

The bowl is charmingly plump, with a moderately sized chamber that's well-suited for a variety of blends and occasions. A thick, flaring, upturned shank emerges from the transition, joined by an arcing, hand-cut stem of vulcanite. The shank's paneled underside makes it semi-circular in cross section — a striking juxtaposition of soft curves and crisp angles. Dense waves of ring grain emanate from the bowl's heel, rippling along both bowl and shank alike. Dark, smoky streaks stand out against the stummel's otherwise light stain, adding vivid tonal contrast to the ensemble. Smooth, pale boxwood adorns the shank face, introducing another pop of tonal — and textural — contrast to the mix. All in all, this piece offers a pleasing medley of color, texture, and shaping cues to delight the eye and the hand.