G. Penzo: Smooth Freehand (Rudegar)

This dynamic Freehand shape from Italian artisan Giacomo Penzo seems to see the artisan further exploring his penchant for broad stylistic influence. The squat, succinctly streamlined bowl calls to mind the modernist style of Vladimir Grechukhin, though the shape's overt emphasis on overall width, manifested through the broad, eye-shaped shank, seems to more closely evoke a sense of Danish shaping. This is evidenced through Giacomo's tight ridgework, gracefully melding into the curvature of the bowl, framing broad, vivid pools of birdseye at the upper and lower shank, as well as the carver's brilliant orientation of this particular block, with nary a grain line out of place. Generous amounts of flame grain draw the eye to the bowl's soft curvature, all highlighted by a warm, smoldering contrast. The saddle stem lends the silhouette the lightest bit of recurve, making for an elegantly balanced disposition as well. A handsome, attractive piece from Giacomo.