Tsuge Ikebana: Sandblasted Reverse Calabash Barrel (Ohi) (H) (259) (2017) Tobacco Pipe

Ikebana translates to "living flowers," and is a reference to the highest form of the Japanese art of flower arrangement. The prestigiously named Tsuge Ikebana is Tsuge's premier workshop, and three artisans work there: Asami Kikuchi, Yoshirou Ohi, and Kazuhiro Fukuda. They make every pipe by hand, showcasing distinctively Japanese interpretations of Danish shapes, and each maker possesses their own unique style.

This reverse Calabash Barrel by Yoshirou Ohi of Tsuge Ikebana features an unusual stummel structure compared to most pipes, as the bowl and shank are practically identical in both size and shape. The reason for the curious construction is primarily a functional one, as the cylindrical shank has been hollowed out, which allows the smoke to cool as it travels from the bowl to the stem: a requisite design cue of the reverse Calabash shape. Furthermore, the stummel is dressed in a stunning sandblast, highlighting undulating growth rings that flow from the bowl, across the broad transition, and onto the shank, creating a cohesive finish that also provides ample texture for one to appreciate. Additionally, both the rim and shank face feature a smooth finish, further highlighting the shaping parallel while providing a dash of tactile contrast.