Brentegani Pipes: Tradition Meets Modernity
Today, it takes a clear vision and a lot of courage to fully dedicate oneself to the art of pipe-making as a profession. This is exactly the step Michele Brentegani, an Italian pipe maker born in 1989, has taken. His determination impressed us, and we share many of his views. That’s why we decided to include his unique pipes in our range.
From Woodworking to Pipe Art
Michele hails from Verona and showed an early passion for craftsmanship. Whether building a bow or a flute, wood was always a central element. At the same time, he studied traditional Chinese medicine with a specialization in Tuina massage. It wasn’t until 2015 that he began pipe-making, inspired by seeing a friend’s Churchwarden Pipe. On a whim, he carved his first pipe bowl from a piece of wood.
Brebbia as a Turning Point
Looking for a suitable mouthpiece, he turned to the Italian pipe maker Brebbia. Although Brebbia typically sells mouthpieces only in large quantities, they made an exception and sent him three samples—for free and with best wishes. This generous gesture sparked Michele’s enthusiasm and furthered his journey as a pipe maker. To this day, he feels a deep connection to the Brebbia brand.
Michele Brentegani's Career Path
Michele began his journey in pipe-making as a self-taught artisan. Over time, he sought exchanges with experienced pipe makers and, in 2020, became a member of the Academia della pipa italiana, founded by Mimmo Romeo (Romeo Pipes). Connections with other artists like Gabriele Dal Fiume, Davide Iafisco, and Gioacchino Sauro enriched his creative process and craftsmanship. Eventually, Michele decided to turn his passion into a profession.
Brentegani Pipes: Unique and Distinctive
Today, Michele’s work is heavily influenced by the Danish school, while also appreciating English classics. His freehand pipes combine these two worlds and demand high craftsmanship. He mainly uses briarwood, complemented by morta and increasingly olivewood, valued for its attractive grain and excellent workability.
A hallmark of Brentegani is his azure blue ebonite mouthpieces. At first glance, it’s clear: “That’s a Brentegani Pipe!”
Exclusive at Rauchr: Brentegani Pipes with 9mm Filters
We are proud to offer the work of this talented and determined pipe maker. As the first and only retailer, we carry Brentegani pipes with 9mm filter drilling. Discover his impressive pipes and support Michele on his creative journey!
