ZISHA TEAPOT EGGPLANT-SHAPED, HANDMADE BY ARTIST LEVEL 3, WANG LI-JUAN（L3-2019）Zhu Ni

🫖 Eggplant-Shaped Teapot 皱皮朱泥 茄段壶

Clay: zhuni (Xiao Mei Yao red clay)

Volume: 190ml

Artist: Wang Li-Juan National Arts and Crafts Artist (L3-2019 Awarded in 2019) 

The Eggplant zisha Teapot draws inspiration from the mature eggplant on the branch, featuring the eggplant stem as the knob, lively and amusing. It exudes fullness and handles tension between wanting to break and not breaking. The external shape of the spout (flow) and the National Arts and Crafts Artisthandle of the teapot naturally and smoothly correspond, creating a harmonious balance between stillness and movement.

The name "茄段" (Eggplant Section) is actually a mistake for "茄端" (Eggplant End). The knob shaped like an eggplant stem connecting to the body indicates that the eggplant is completely and natually plucked from the stem, not a "section of eggplant" but rather the "end of the eggplant stem."

What do zisha artists mean by the "three difficulties of Eggplant-shaped pot"?
The Eggplant teapot, seemingly simple but actually complex, is an intersection of all circular teapot shapes. The main difficulties in its production are threefold:

1-The lid and the body must fit seamlessly, with the line and surface forming an integral whole.
2-The bottom needs to create a "top force," with no soft collapse, maintaining fullness while handling tension between wanting to break and not breaking.
3-The knob, resembling an eggplant stem, should provide pleasure and space for appreciation. If too rigid and conventional, it loses its elegance.

This teapot, with its simple and natural eggplant section shape, looks plain yet sophisticated.
The rounded arc-shaped lid is plump, the knob resembles an eggplant stem, combining smoothly with the body. The single-pressure bottom (一捺底) at the bottom accentuates the overall rounded and full shape.
The double-curved teapot spout, ear-shaped ring handle, and eggplant stem knob, all seamlessly connecting to the body, are natural, elegant, and simple.
The symmetry along the centerline of the teapot body results in a natural and smooth transition of lines.
The entire teapot gleams with a warm luster, impossible to fully interpret through images, and must be witnessed in person to appreciate its beauty.
The teapot surface vividly displays various superior attributes of purple clay, resembling the warmth of ancient jade. The tight-fitting lid, narrow mouth, wide belly, smooth pouring, and crisp water break make it suitable for both appreciation and use.

 王利娟（L3-2019 Awarded in 2019)