American Estates: Alex Florov Smooth Blowfish (2020) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

I can't recall ever before seeing a Blowfish interpretation quite like this one. But then again, there aren't many carvers who possess the bold creativity that Alex Florov's work consistently displays. This offering was notably inspired by Japanese artisan Kei-ichi Gotoh, and Florov utilized various aspects of Hiroyuki Tokutomi's work, combining those influences with his own creative vision. Unlike most Blowfish designs that are typically quite compact and robustly proportioned, this one is remarkably trim and elegant in its execution, with a bowl that is softly rounded yet maintains the shape's defining features. The bowl's flanks bulge outwards and display beautiful birdseye patterns while streaks of cross grain ride along the top and bottom of the stummel's central panel. The shank is rather trim in comparison, further emphasizing the bowl's prominence before flaring outwards to join the elongated, gracefully downturned stem. It's a gorgeous piece from Alex and is presented in unsmoked condition.