Talamona L'Artigiano Bent Egg 115

• Overall Length: 134mm
• Overall Height: 47mm
• Bowl Height: 47mm
• Bowl Width: 39mm
• Bore: 20mm
• Filter: None
• Weight: 46g
• Pipe Bag Included

There's something rather satisfying about a pipe that looks as though the wood had a hand in designing it.

This Talamona L'Artigiano 115 is a splendid example. The bowl is wonderfully rounded, with that distinctive egg shape giving it a generous, almost sculptural appearance. Then there's the grain. Rich, fiery streaks run across the polished briar, turning into tight little swirls and birdseye patterns around the bowl. It's the sort of thing that rewards a closer inspection, preferably with a cup of tea going cold nearby.

The deep reddish-chestnut stain suits it beautifully, while the silver-coloured band and gently curved black stem keep everything looking smart.

Talamona has roots in Italian pipe-making stretching back to 1929, when Cornelio Talamona began the family's involvement in the craft. The brand was later established by Cesare Talamona and eventually revived under Paolo Croci.

A handsome, characterful pipe, this one. And unlike some works of art, you're actually encouraged to use it.