Tatsuo Tajima Mushroom Yūri-kinsai Gold # 9

This is Tatsuo's new finish. Yūri-kinsai is a gold leaf application ancient technique used in Japanese pottery. Tatsuo began studying it a few years ago to learn how to apply it to briar pipes. He developed a method. 

This is Tatsuo's take on a Mushroom. With this pipe he has used radial blasting combined with gold leaf application & lacquer on the sandblasted bowl. It is hard to see in the photos (easy in real) but the sandblast lines radiate outward from where each blast line begins. It very much reminds me of a raked Japanese Zen sand garden with gold leaf standing in for the sand's color and sparkle. The pipe overall is thick walled with a smooth rim covered in tight birdseye that curls around to the relatively slim shank that has a plateau end. Very lightweight for a pipe with such thick walls. A uniquely Japanese piece. Perfect sitter. It balances so well you can spin it around should you wish.

Measurements & Details: 

Length: 5 5/8" / 144 mm

Bowl Height: 1 3/4" / 44 mm

Bowl Depth: 1 1/2" / 39 mm

I.B.Dia: 3/4" / 19 mm

O.B.Dia: 1 1/2" / 38 mm

Weight: 2.95 oz / 85 gm

Stem: Cumberland (Vulcanite)

Filter: None

Finish: Sandblast

Country: Japan