Alex Florov: Smooth Long Shank Fugu with Mammoth Tobacco Pipe

Alex Florov takes a lot of inspiration from the Japanese tradition and Hiroyuki Tokutomi specifically, and it's readily apparent in this stunning Fugu rendition. "Fugu" means Blowfish in Japanese and dates back to a Lars Ivarsson design that featured a plump bowl and teardrop shank. The shape was, then, reinterpreted by Tokutomi, lent sweeping fin-like ridgelines to make for a more floral and highly organic aesthetic. Here, Alex riffs off of that Japanese design, fitting the iconic bowl on the end of quite the elongated stretch of shank. Said shank has been crisply paneled above and below, merging it seamlessly with the sharp "fins" along the bowl. In a beautiful display of grain, the bowl boasts a band of cross grain wrapping the middle from heel to transition, orienting whorls of birdseye along both flanks. As the eyes meander to the shank-end, the shank's sleek lines are only slightly interrupting by a pale mammoth accent that contrasts well against the stummel's deep, walnut stain. Continuing the shank's implied lines, Alex has perfectly rendered the saddle stem base to align with the shank's curved and paneled nature. It's an exquisite piece and, despite the lengthy, bulbous form, is impressively lightweight.