Smio Satou Smooth Tomato with Tsuishu and Bamboo Tobacco Pipe

While his classic Danish/Japanese designs and more sculptural forms are quite impressive in their own right, there's just something about these longer, bamboo-infused designs that capture my attention. The meticulous care he takes in maintaining an even rhythm from shank to bamboo to stem may be a product of Satou's own perfectionist streak, yet it nevertheless lends each and every one of these designs a strong sense of striking organic balance in profile. Here we see a fine example of just that style, this time with a squat Tomato-shaped bowl — featuring a touch of asymmetry in the subtle protrusion of the fore of the bowl. It cradles quite comfortably in the hand, and finished in Satou's own warm walnut contrast, the flame grain pattern is simply stunning.