Smooth Tomato with Bamboo Tobacco Pipe

Sinuously bent and incredibly gestural, this Tomato from Yuwei Huang exemplifies the organic inclinations frequently exhibited in the Taiwanese artisan's work. It readily demonstrates Yuwei's talents and ability to creatively modify shapes. The bowl is canted forward dramatically and is remarkably broad, its flanks bulging outward and curving up toward the slightly concave rim which then slopes inward to the diminutive tobacco chamber. I'm particularly drawn to the grain orientation on this piece as the rounded rim and lifted heel are absolutely saturated in birdseye while streaks of vertical grain wrap around the flanks. The rich, walnut contrast stain illuminates the grain wonderfully and pairs perfectly with the black bamboo that extends the shank. The bumpy nodes around each knuckle provide some subtle textural diversity on what is otherwise a smooth piece and add visual texture to the piece's profile as well. The bamboo's upward arc continues into the brindled vulcanite mouthpiece — the first time we've seen a pipe with a cumberland stem from Yuwei. It fits in brilliantly with this piece, its soft downturn promising a comfortable smoking posture.