Zisha teapot Giant Wheel Bead by artist Level 5, JIANG Chen（L5-2015）Zhu Ni

🫖 The Giant Wheel Bead (巨轮珠 JU LUN ZHU)
Clay: ZHU NI (Xiao Mei Yao) 小煤窑朱泥 
Capacity: 130ml
Artist: JIANG Chen 蒋晨 EVEL 5，(Awarded in 2015) 

The Giant Wheel Bead, also known as Ju Lun Zhu, traces its origin back to the late Qing Dynasty, gaining popularity particularly after being exported to the tea communities of Japan and Taiwan. 

Its appeal lies in the contrast it presents to the traditional aesthetic of Yixing pottery. Characterized by its raw and unrefined appearance, the Giant Wheel Bead's bold and seemingly unfinished design resonated deeply with the Japanese tea ceremony, where imperfection is celebrated as an integral part of beauty. Seen as an embodiment of Eastern aesthetic principles, it seamlessly integrates with the tea ceremony and the natural landscape, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between nature's beauty and human emotions. 

During the tea ceremony, the unique appearance of the Giant Wheel Bead harmonizes with the tea environment, creating a distinctive and serene atmosphere. This imbues the teapot with a deeper significance and value, beyond its utilitarian function.

As a reinterpretation of Eastern aesthetics, the Giant Wheel Bead deviates from the traditional pursuit of balance and intricate craftsmanship, instead highlighting imperfection and incompleteness as aesthetic virtues. Its practicality and unconventional design make it a captivating alternative representative of Yixing pottery. 

This distinctive cultural expression fosters diversity and innovation within the realm of Yixing pottery, injecting new vitality and momentum into the craft.