Federico Becker is a third-generation pipe maker, his late father and grandfather beginning the Becker pipe-making workshop in the 1970s. The younger Becker has certainly come into his own in the carving world, assimilating their design styles with his own learned skills and raw talent.

This compact, Four-Diamond graded Tomato is a fine example of both Federico's astuteness as an artisan and his families legacy. Forgoing the jutted heel so often seen in Becker pipes, Federico has instead chosen a plump, rounded form, though with the shank and stem still tapering sharply toward the bit for a streamlined, sleek disposition. Finished smooth in a honey -blonde stain, he's allowed the stunning, wispy and feathery strands of flame grain to be seen in all its glory about the bowl, with gorgeous birdseye on display across the base and wavy rim.

— Adam M. O'Neill