Todd Johnson: Partially Sandblasted Samurai Volcano with Amboyna Burl (Hoplite) Tobacco Pipe

At once incorporating both a beautifully organic, cresting wave-like Japanese aesthetic as well as the firmer stance of many of his more Industrial pieces, Todd Johnson's Samurai Volcano is an extremely complex form — yet one which still manages to maintain a strong sense of fluidity and continuity in profile. The inward bevel to the fore of the rim, the smooth-polished convex underside, the firm and crisp meeting of lines and contrasting supple curves, the touch of bend to the carefully crafted mouthpiece... all these elements combine to create a Volcano you simply can't mistake as the work of anyone else.

It only makes sense that Todd would submit such an iconic piece for his entry into our American Ring Grain Showcase. He's already established the form as a signature shape and collectors and enthusiasts all over the world know it well. As such, viewers of this sandblasted piece are more likely to take notice of the finish itself — a crisp, extremely detailed treatment of the briar, unearthing layer after layer of rings, densely stacked from base to rim. And what a beautiful finish it is.

- Andrew Wike