Sandblasted Bent Acorn (Ohi) (F) (341) (2015) Tobacco Pipe

This is a pretty reserved take on the bent Acorn from Yoshirou Ohi, whose work generally is counted among the most complex, line wise, in the Ikebana lineup. There is no wild asymmetry at play here, no contrasting planes or surfaces, no juxtaposition between smooth curve and hard, firm lines. What it is, then, is simply a plump, Danish-Japanese take on a time-honored shape executed in a way that fits perfectly in hand and showcases some wonderfully impressive ring grain riding the flanks. It's a testament to Ohi's own skill and talent really, proving that he can not only produce an extremely complex, dynamic form, but a gorgeous, smooth-bodied take on a timeless design with grace and ease.

- Andrew Wike