Tatsuo Tajima Yūri-kinsai 曲がったパイプ # 9

This is a panel bent fused with a sea cucumber shape. It's two panel sides having Yūri-kinsai gold leaf applied. This is an ancient 900 year old Japanese technique used to apply real gold leaf on plates, pottery, sword scabbards, samurai armour etc. Tatsuo over a number of years developed a method to apply it to pipes.

This pipe has a lot wood with thick walls. Looking at the top picture one sees how thick the walls are at just over 3/8" - 11.5 mm, It will deliver a cool smoke to hand and mouth. 

This is truly an unusual pipe finishing technique that is only known in Japan . A variation on a classic shape made with a 900 year old technique. 

Note: The side streaks are real gold leaf. 

Measurements & Details: 

Length: 5 1/2" / 140 mm

Bowl Height: 2 3/8" / 60 mm

Bowl Depth: 1 3/4" / 44 mm

I.B.Dia: 13/16 + " / 21 mm

O.B.Dia: 2" / 51 mm

Weight: 2.55 oz / 72 gm

Stem: Vulcanite

Filter: None

Finish: Smooth with carved side panels.

Country: Japan