Sandblasted Rhodesian with Boxwood (B) Tobacco Pipe

Max Rimensi, or Il Duca, has been growing his craftsmanship since the early 1990s, starting at the young age of 14. The name Il Duca is inspired by the historical rulers of his native city, Ferrara, Italy. Il Duca's style exudes elegance and often favors slender shapes, varying from traditional Anglo-French designs to unconventional Freehands.

This Rhodesian is one of the more unconventional designs from Il Duca, pairing classic shaping cues with a touch of organicism. The bowl is tall and slightly forward-canted, featuring the form's characteristic profile, with the upper and lower sections of the bowl demarcated by a single ridgeline. The shank is set low at the bowl and lifts gently toward a face crowned with rugged plateau, creating contrast against the broad bowl while lending the composition a natural disposition. Furthering that organic theme, the junction features a domed boxwood accent, carved with ridgelines that echo those of the bowl. Lastly, the piece is finished in a light sandblast, highlighting stacked growth rings beneath a vibrant color palette.