Alexander Tupitsyn: Smooth Acorn with Boxwood Tobacco Pipe

I can't help but think of the Blowfish shape when observing this Acorn from Alexander Tupitsyn. While those aforementioned designs aren't really related in an way compositionally, this particular Acorn's grain orientation caters to the ideal pattern found on Blowfish renditions — flanks of birdseye bisected by a central band of cross grain. Birdseye suits rounded shapes like this, framing the plump curves of the bowl while the cross grain helps mark the profile's curvature, and this piece's consistent undercurve. I especially appreciate the Russian carver's approach to the transition: The aft curve of the bowl extends outward more than the fore, effectively tucking the transition underneath and lending the overall form a seemingly more bulbous and organic nature. The bowl appears to grow from the curled shank, which is lenticular of cross section and flanks by rigid lined — the only hard lines of the entire piece. They contrast the bowl's organic plumpness and also help define the profile, adding sleekness to the shank and stem combination. Dressed in a warm, orange-tinged stain, this is a piece marked by stunning grain and attractive shaping, with a trim accent of boxwood adorning the stem base.