Alex Florov: Smooth Fish Tobacco Pipe

A sleek and modernist character dominates this Fish from Alex Florov despite its wide and flaring shank. The combination of that forward-inclined bowl with the muscular shank actually contributes to the sporty disposition of the pipe as the bowl leans forward like a speedboat cutting through the waves from a more substantial base. Tight panels along the flanks and curling over the top provide a structured aspect to this otherwise quite organic shape, their crisp ridgelines offering tactile stimulation as well as visual intrigue.

While asymmetry for this piece is evident from a high or low vantage point, from the sides it appears more symmetrical, with the forward-angled, birdseye-laden side panels neatly bisected by midpoint ridgelines. The shank itself contains crisp ridgelines as well, especially noted at the top where the flare of its base graduates into the bowl. The shank face is domed in contrast, though also bisected by a ridgeline, further enhancing the neat juxtaposition of structure and organicism that work so well together in this impressive composition.