Ser Jacopo (c.1994-97) R1 Maxima Rusticated Calabash with Silver (Estate)

Ser Jacopo is one of the most famous contemporary examples of high-grade, workshop-made Italian pipes. It also belongs to a very special tradition in Italian pipe making, having been established by Giancarlo Guidi and Bruno Sordini after the two had left another great Italian workshop, Mastro de Paja. Together, Guidi and Sordini created a brand of pipes that reflected their Renaissance sensibilities – even the figurehead of Ser Jacopo happens to be taken from a painting of a nobleman from centuries past—one that would soon become esteemed for creating unique and beautiful tobacco pipes that smoked just as perfectly as they looked.

While Ser Jacopo pipes are all made by hand and, thus, mostly unique creations, the calabash is, nonetheless something of a staple in the workshop’s portfolio. Indeed, the shape appears to have been a favorite of Giancarlo Guidi, as it was under his tenure that Ser Jacopo’s special, limited edition “Millennium” pipe—made to commemorate the dawning of the new century—took the form of a large calabash in various finishes.

This one is a more typical calabash rendition from the Ser Jacopo workshop, though no less of a high-grade pipe. It’s a big one, too, having earned a “Maxima” designation, used to denote Ser Jacopo’s oversized works. Judging by what looks to be a red plexiglass stem inlay, it will have been made around 1994-97, prior to the introduction of the modern, silver “J” logo used by main-line Ser Jacopo pipes.

The condition is good. Some inner rim darkening and minor handling marks.<P<

Details:

Length: 6.3″ / 160.0mm

Bowl Width: 0.88 / 22.35mm

Bowl Depth: 1.82″ / 46.22mm

Weight: 3.3oz / 94g