Fikri Baki Extra Large Smooth Faceted Blowfish with Cumberland (Estate)

Unlike their counterparts in the world of briar, the artisans who carve meerschaum pipes are seldom known by name. Only a very small percentage of such carvers rise to a level of mastery and recognition that leads to their pipes being explicitly attributed to them. At any given outlet, you might find a pipe signed or tied to someone like Bekler, Tekin, Kenan, or Sabri, but most will simply carry the company brand, in a manner closer to factory pipe manufacture and sales.

Fikri Baki Cetekinkaya, known simply as Fikri Baki, or F. Baki, first began carving meerschaum pipes in 1969 and is today known as one of the all-time greats in his field. This is not just for his ability to carve meerschaum, but also his pioneering skills in applying techniques and materials used in briar pipes to his meerschaums. This included not just silverware, but also bamboo and ebonite, which he hand-cut for his pipes. Baki also spent time studying pipe making with the legendary German artisan Rainer Barbi (the latter being best known for his briars, but who also dabbled in meerschaum). In recent times, in part due to past exclusivity arrangements and his present retirement, Baki pipes have become increasingly difficult to acquire in the West, much to the chagrin of his many admirers.

With this pipe, we see Baki thoroughly embracing the aesthetics of post-war briar artisans, including—though not limited to—Barbi. In fact, I’d compare it to the blowfish renditions that emerged toward the end of the 20th century, which utilized all manner of furls and facets to ad further distinction to an already highly unusual shape. Much like many of those pipes—and unlike most meers—this one is fitted with a hand-cut cumberland mouthpiece, which Baki is quite famous for his use of. On a last note, having spent a good amount of time examining the bowl of this pipe, I’m 99% sure it was carved from so-called “translucent” meerschaum, an especially uncommon, high-grade variety of sepiolite that is much sought after for its purity and porosity, allowing it to color faster than other varieties.

The condition is very good. Minor rim darkening and some slight scratches on the bowl, though nothing major. This pipe comes with its original fitted case.

Details:

Length: 6.5″ / 165.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.91 / 23.11mm

Bowl Depth: 2.13″ / 54.10mm

Weight: 3.1oz / 90g