Partially Sandblasted Blowfish (Ohi) (H) (211) (2015) Tobacco Pipe

Dynamic asymmetry dominates this design from Yoshirou Ohi of the esteemed Tsuge Ikebana workshop. There is enormous contrast-of-elements here, yet those elements conform in a unified composition of ruggedness as well as elegance. The flanks are particularly and artistically non-uniform, and although that's a design attribute of the Blowfish shape, it is exaggerated here in a handsome way. The left flank takes visual precedence not only because of its larger size, but because the entire domed panel is sandblasted in a dark stain for contrast of texture and color.

Sharp, crisp ridgelines circumnavigate the side panels while those of the shank panels are more rounded. That shank expands as it leaves the transition and flares to a rounded shank end with subtle plateau providing loads of texture and visual interest. From above and below, the waving nature of the shank panels is more evident and particularly appealing. To add to the asymmetry, an expansion ring near the base of the stem reveals its own offset nature and runs roughly parallel to the end of the shank, after which a concise saddle mouthpiece extends in an abbreviated manner. The grain runs crosswise across the smooth briar at the top and bottom of the shank and running up the smooth, ribbon-like panel that curves over the tobacco chamber and down the far flank. Mesmerizing in visual detail and executed to the highest standards, it's a Blowfish with enormous personality.