Fikri Baki Extra Large Smooth Rhodesian with Bamboo and 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.

This particular Baki leans quite closely to modern briar artisan renditions of the Rhodesian, possibly expressing some of the things that the carver learned from his time in Europe. Bulbous in bowl and especially large in general, the pipe is accented not only with a shank extension cut from bamboo, but also beaded cumberland, from which the pipe’s mouthpiece has also been hand-cut.

The condition is very good. Very slight rim darkening and a couple of small scratches on the bowl. This pipe comes with its original fitted case.

Details:

Length: 7″ / 177.8mm

Bowl Width: 0.83 / 21.08mm

Bowl Depth: 1.55″ / 39.37mm

Weight: 2.3oz / 66g