Tsuge Ikebana: Smooth Bent Dublin (Fukuda) (L) (095) (2017) Tobacco Pipe

Ikebana translates to "living flower" and is the name given to Tusge's workshop of master pipe artisans. Only three talented pipe makers produce pipes in the workshop, and Kazuhiro Fukuda is preeminent among them and the workshop's supervisor. Decades ago Fukada traveled to Denmark to study under pipe-making legends Sixten Ivarsson and Jorgen Larsen, bringing their irreplaceable knowledge back to Japan, later teaching the techniques he learned to younger pupils such as the talented Asami Kikuchi. Fukada's work continues to be a guiding light of inspiration, not just for younger Ikebana artisans, but for aspiring pipe makers and artisans all over the world.

This bent Dublin is a precise rendering that showcases Fukada's ability to shape perfectly to the grain, bringing the classic flaring shape to life in perfect harmony with tight striations of flame grain all around the bowl. The rim is an oval when seen from above, and tightly packed with plateau that proves the dense beauty of the grain striations below. It's finished in smooth, natural finish to let the grain have center stage, while the rim receives a darker treatment for subtle contrast.

Every line is purposeful here, from the swell of the shank's undercurve to the negative space over the transition that calls for comfortable digit-draping. The stem is precisely hand-shaped vulcanite, flowing in concert with the shank's robust curves before discretely tapering as it turns down to reach for a nimble lip button. A triumph of understated beauty, this pipe is sure to delight any discerning collector and will make a resplendent centerpiece in any collection.