Viktor Yashtylov: Smooth Paneled Tulip with Bamboo Tobacco Pipe

A bit of a departure from Viktor Yashtylov's typically bold, Freehand style, this Tulip is a slender, lengthy offering that draws on classic Danish shaping cues combined with an almost Japanese-like sense of organicism. The majority of the shank is comprised of four trim knuckles of dark bamboo, matching with the stummel's walnut contrast stain so that the organic medium accents not in color palette but, rather, solely in the natural rhythm of the rounded knuckles. Viktor accentuates this rhythm at the shank end, fashioning an undulating, forward-urging ring of boxwood at the base, notched at the top, bottom, and flanks to add a dose of visual texture.

At the bowl, Yashtylov has employed his oft-seen use of paneling, alternating the facets with fluting ridges to heighten the form's floral disposition. The bulbous bowl tapers toward the concave rim to resemble the flower after which it's named, while the grain remains just as stunning as the shape — straight grain wraps the flanks to leave birdseye below. It's a testament to Viktor's skill as a craftsman, from the bamboo and reinforced tenon to the shaping and finishing of the bowl. Beautifully and expertly done.