Smooth Bent Apple (Kikuchi) (F) (128) Tobacco Pipe

The double-Apple (or double-Tomato) shape was something Tsuge Ikebana produced previous to Asami Kikuchi joining the workshops team of artisans. That said, is also another case where Asami has introduced her own vision of pre-existing Ikebana design — or perhaps more fitting, her own sense of touch. Given her pre-pipemaking work in small pieces of sculpture designed around providing a pleasing tactile experience, I wouldn't be surprised if Asami was quite taken with this design, one of the most unorthodox in Ikebana's history. I can say for certain that I find this Kikuchi rendition very pleasing to hold.

- Eric N. Squires