OBSERVATION: Vitolophila

A world of art exists that most don't know about. The world of Vitolas__Vitolas are an esoteric source of fine art, especially appreciated by the Cubans. Vitolas are the band around cigars that differentiates brands. Every ring is a work of art and painters put there best work into these bands. The subject matter is similar to that of stamps and may include politicians, patriots or important events, but many of the subjects chosen are broader and deeper, often containing a wish to last in time. Essentially vitolas are a form of beautiful lithography. The first printer of vitolas was Anton Bock a European immigrant to the United States. Originally the bands were meant to cover the fine thread that holds the filler, but developed instead into an art form. Vitophila is a lover of vitolas, a collector, a connoisseur and there are many especially in Cuba and Latin America. There is also a Cuban Vitophilic Association. However not much is written in English about vitolas, it's best to have a firm grasp of Spanish here and remember only a barbarian would burn the vitola when he smokes a cigar__ take it off and examine it carefully. Someone put a lot of work into it.