Partially Sandblasted Blowfish (Ohi) (G) (200) (2015) Tobacco Pipe

I'm particularly fond of these Yoshirou Ohi pieces from Tsuge Ikebana. His precise lines and dyanmic, powerful shapes make for stunning combinations, and this Blowfish is a beautiful example of that balanced mixture. When viewed from above, the lines of the piece are more apparent — the rightward curve of the bowl against the shank, implying the motion of its aquatic namesake, while each crisp line and ridge serves to frame the briar's grain. Cross-grain is neatly divided from birdseye, giving the latter precedence at the flanks, even as the former is the most eye-catching feature. Indeed, the cross-grain is as standout as they come, in part thanks to Ohi's clever use of a partial sandblast, which not only highlights the birdseye of the right flank, but whose darker palette helps the contrast of the center ridge catch the eye even more readily. It's excellent work, and crafted with a skill that is the envy of many.