Kei-ichi Gotoh: Smooth Leaf Tobacco Pipe

This leaf, from Keiichi Gotoh, is soft, pliable and seems to be in motion. Not locomotion, for there that would imply self animation. Rather a supple yielding to unseen elements. The front panel of this leaf arches upward, a subtle but distinct ridge is formed to represent the mid rib. That panel also features a quiet, side to side curving pattern as well as a dense birdseye. The rim and sides of this leaf boast a razor tight cross cut grain. The mount and bit are so well matched, though they are of distinctly different colors and textures, seem to be an integral part of one another.