Jonas Design SG1 XXL Smooth Cup and Saucer Freehand Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

Description

There are plenty of makes and makers that enjoy a healthy amount of mainstream popularity in the world of pipes. And then there are cult favorites, i.e., brands and artisans that are not as commonly known but, for those that do know them, are near-religiously lauded and sought out. Jonas Design is an example of the latter. A creation of Italian artisan Jonas Bianca in the 1960s, Jonas Design was an early, pioneering example of handmade Italian pipes. In fact, Bianca’s make took off before some of the most notable and influential brands in the Italian handmades scene, including Mastro de Paja, Caminetto, Il Ceppo, and the Savinelli Autograph workshop. Known for their excellent graining and versatility in style, Jonas Design pipes were more like a much smaller scale, Italian version of their near-contemporaries in England’s Charatan freehands.

In the case of this Jonas Design, the Charatan comparison is particularly apt, and not just because of its exquisite straight grain. Strongly reminiscent of the “cup and saucer” shape that gave birth to the Charatan freehand workshop under Reuben Charatan, this Jonas blends that motif with elements more common to Danish freehands, including plateaux burl at its rim and shank end, and a “spiral” shaping to its shank and vulcanite stem.

The condition is very good. Minor rim darkening and slight residual oxidation on the pipe’s vulcanite stem.

Details:

Length: 7.5″ / 190.5mm

Bowl Width: 0.95 / 24.13mm

Bowl Depth: 1.86″ / 47.24mm

Weight: 4.0oz / 114g