Smooth Vase Tobacco Pipe

Elements of an organic vase and katana fuse in a striking presentation from master Hiroyuki Tokutomi. A partial plateau, asymmetrical rim (tons of birdseye) melts onto a body that is subtly tinged with hints of the floral. The curvature on the front of the bowl is implied in the bevel that visually separates that same from the shank, and the effect, incredibly, introduces a nuance of the sconce to the composition. To anchor the gentle wildness of the bowl, Toku-san juxtaposes a shank with martial sensibilities, the two melding at the heel to form a solid sitting base. The composition is completed with a poignantly arced bit.

--Bear Graves