Ardor Urano Ninfea Rusticated Calabash w/ Silver Spigot Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

Description

Like many Italian workshop brands, Ardor pipes are a family affair. The name itself is an acronym of Angelo Rovera and Dorelio Rovera, father and son pipe-makers who created the brand in 1972. The Rovera family’s history with pipes goes back much further, however, as Angelo’s own father, Francesco, had previously established the Sociedade Rovera pipe company with his brothers in 1911. All Ardor pipes are completely hand-made from briar that has been seasoned for at least 4-5 years, and the brand is noteworthy for its playful and innovative approaches to design. As a result, Ardor pipes are both quintessentially Italian, while also being somewhat different, having a style that is wholly their own.
Curiously for an Italian make, the calabash is something of a signature shape in Ardor’s portfolio. So much so, in fact, that it has been a centerpiece of several, special edition series of Ardor pipes, including the Roveras’ “Sherlock Holmes” pieces. This one comes from a standard release, though the shaping, finishing, and ornamentation is very much in keeping with the aforementioned limited editions. Of course, being an Ardor, those aspects of the design are highly distinctive and unlike the calabash renditions of most other makes, where a more traditional aesthetic is the norm. For one, the pipe is dressed in Ardor’s signature stony rusticated finish, the Urano, immediately giving it a strong Italian feel; it is also mounted with the Roveras’ sterling silver “Ninfea” spigot fitment, so-named because of its evocation of a water lily; and finally, the pipe features a tortoiseshell Lucite mouthpiece, which in this instance pairs well with the bowl’s light, tan dress.

The condition is very good. Some rim darkening and slight handling marks.

Details:

Length: 5.8″ / 147.3mm

Bowl Width: 0.82 / 20.82mm

Bowl Depth: 1.80″ / 45.72mm

Weight: 1.5oz / 44g