Hiroyuki Tokutomi: Volcano Sandblast with Cumberland Stem Tobacco Pipe

Tokutomi's work is often described as organic. This refers to shapes that appear as if they have sprung from nature. As can be seen with the volcano, the shape is totally freeform and natural. As the name suggests, it is obvious what the overall shape reflects. But with Tokutomi we see elements of wind and water at play in the shape and finish of the piece as well. The Japanese aesthetic is derived from the complex interplay between Buddhism and Shintoism, but given the focus of both religions on the natural world, it comes as no surprise that Japanese has such a naturalistic, minimalistic feel. With Tokutomi multiple themes of nature can run through one piece. Overlaid on the naturalistic themes evidenced by the swooping shape and the area of exposed plateaux on the bottom of the pipe, is a rigor of design that is striking. The central element of this piece is that the surfaces of the sides of the bowl are all one panel. The edge that connects the end of the tail with the bowl breaks the lines of the surface, but the pipe seems to have a single plane that is carried around the entire piece.