Smooth Volcano with Bamboo Tobacco Pipe

Sorry, but this is one very cool Volcano, and this comes from a guy who (usually) has very little fondness for the shape. Florov hasn't presented us with many Volcanoes over the years; this might be the fifth, and with the exception of a Slonim Grade "Smooth Snail Climbing Mount Fuji Volcano" (hence, the 'might" on the number, not sure that one really qualified), all have been fairly quiet, almost feminine affairs.

This Krakatoa bristles with a hot, almost elemental energy, and guess which of the five traditional Japanese elements is represented here? OK, that was easy. You bet — 火 — Fire, and, at every turn, this Volcano crackles with the flames of Fudo. From the vibrant stain highlighting a searing straight grain, right down to the mottled coloring of the plateau on the heel (the two primary hues of the aforementioned Japanese God of Fire), this bowl fairly flexes a masculine attitude. Balancing the yang, we have the yin contained within the slender four knuckles of bamboo, which not only anchors the organic elements of the bowl, but also adds a fine sense of supple sophistication. An unexpected surprise from one of America's premier carvers.

R. Bear Graves