Frank Axmacher: Smooth Koisi Tobacco Pipe

The Koisi is one of Frank Axmacher's signature designs and is a highly organic shape that showcases how much the natural world influences the German artisan's work. Koisi means "river stone" in Japanese, and just upon seeing this piece, it looks like Axmacher carefully sifted through endless miles of a winding river until he found just the right piece and sculpted it into a expertly engineered smoking instrument. This particular example differs considerably from previous renditions, as it's simultaneously more bulbous and firm-lined in its execution. It's a striking juxtaposition that would under most circumstances yield disastrous results, but in the hands of Frank Axmacher, he pulls off such an intriguing design seamlessly.

When viewed from above, the rim's fore comes to a slight point which is then echoed by the shank's underside in profile. The tight, brief transition further accentuates the rounded nature of the bowl and shank while also providing countless combinations of how this piece can be held in hand. The gracefully bent stem allows the stummel to remain the focal point, while its domed, rounded base complements the plumpness of both the bowl and shank. Frank has then finished it a warm, alluring stain that highlights a gorgeous array of birdseye along the rim and tight streaks of vertical grain all around the stummel. Adding to this piece's impressiveness is the fact that it possesses the ability to sit stably on flat surfaces. A truly remarkable piece from Axmacher that showcases his diversity in the realm of Freehand designs.