This sculptural wooden wheel transforms a once-functional object into a striking architectural artifact. Hand-carved from solid wood, its smooth, weathered surface and pronounced central hub reveal decades of use, softened over time into a warm, light-toned patina marked by authentic age and wear. Elevated on minimalist metal stand-offs above a sleek black lacquered base, the wheel appears to float in space, allowing its rustic form to be appreciated as pure sculpture. The contrast between primitive craftsmanship and modern presentation creates a powerful dialogue between history, utility, and contemporary design.
“Yunnan is a province in southwest China that is fairly undeveloped and isolated and is home to a large number of ethic minorities including the Akha and Naxi, two groups stumbled across as I was out exploring over 3 decades ago. The Chinese government came into this region to help modernize their simple wood wheel barrows, which they used to haul loads over the mountain pathways. They helped by bringing in solid rubber and steel wheels. Life just got a lot better for this group. Where this work was being done in the village, I saw a large pile of discarded wooden wheels of all sizes and conditions. All these wood wheels were shipped to Shanghai where an antique dealer we did business with would mount these wheels on metal “stand offs,” which would then be mounted to a wood base.” – Clayton Korver
