Grechukhin: Sandblasted Brandy with Bamboo

While his more complex forms certainly capture my attention, there's just something quite charming about this little Brandy from Vladimir Grechukhin. Measuring just 4.8 inches in length, and 32.7 grams in overall weight, it's quite diminutive for one thing — perfect for those who, like myself, enjoy Vladimir's more compactly proportioned briars. That being said, Grechukhin's kept the form of the bowl plump and well-rounded, with a respectable thickness to the chamber walls and a low-set waistline that tapers up softly to the rim. He's also made sure to imbue the piece with a subtle sense of dynamism as well — elongating the transition slightly and paying close attention to the rhythm between shank, bamboo knuckles, and stem to create a stepped, almost pulsating aesthetic in profile. As for the finish, it sports one of Vladimir's vibrant contrast sandblasts, highlighting both ring grain and flame perfectly.

- Andrew Wike