Smooth Volcano (Fukuda) (P) (087) (2021) Tobacco Pipe

Tsuge's Ikebana workshop is the artisan offshoot of the esteemed Japanese marque, comprising three renowned carvers that each present a unique shaping style and design outlook in every pipe they make. The pieces they create are often referred to as the "flowers of the pipe world," and this is a fitting appellation, as their namesake, "Ikebana," literally translates as "living flowers" and references the highest echelon of Japanese flower arrangement, with the goal of instilling a sense of silent appreciation for the natural world and all things within it. This particular Freehand piece was carved by the oldest and most experienced of the three, Kazuhiro Fukuda, who studied under the legendary Sixten Ivarsson, the father of artisan pipe carving.

Immediately I am reminded of the Horn shape when I look at this Volcano, though it is so much more than that. There's a sense of sinuous flow throughout its build, especially through the flanks of the stummel, that is only magnified by its rather acrobatic posture, with the upturned shank poising the demurely curved stem in a stance that is dynamically swan-like. Said stem nestles into the wide, softly inflated shank face at a shallow hollow that keeps the entire composition looking consistent and cohesive. At the flanks of the shank we see a pair of wrapping ridgelines that sweep around the entire base of the piece, creating a continuous panel throughout the duo's travel that serves to both frame the rest of the pipe and add some firm structure to its lines. Beneath, we see a dipped curvature that favors the fore a touch more than the aft, with these same curves mirrored stylistically on top through the eruption of the bowl.

The way Fukuda has carved the Volcano's wrapping base ridges show them here framing the entire stummel, outlining the shank face as well with a fluidly curving panel. Additionally, the trajectory of this panel guides the eye to the bowl, its aforementioned eruption staying true to its namesake as the briar rises out of the broad with a swift, slightly forward leaning taper to the rim. Said rim has been gently inflated to offer a slight bit of softness to the composition, and its angle allows it to harmonize with the more full-bodied curve of the heel beneath it and lend the outline a slightly more rounded look. Dressing this pipe is a striking, vibrant stain of lively auburn hues that reveals a dense array of wrapping flame grain flowing through the base panel and wrapping around the bowl, while the underside is awash with a wealth of swirling birdseye.