章 55: A Rhyme on Cultural Artifacts
"Cultural artifacts, if we disregard the material, fundamentally revolve around the concept of play. Through the tactile engagement, one imbues the object with a patina and spirit. A new piece and an old one can differ in price dramatically..."
Zhao Hongtao turned to Fang Yi and the others, saying, "For instance, consider two identical strings of beads. One has been handled for ten years, while the other has remained untouched for the same duration. Which do you think holds greater value?"
"Certainly, the beads that have been played with for ten years are worth more..." Fatty interjected eagerly.
"Indeed..."
Zhao Hongtao nodded, continuing, "Moreover, the effect of play varies significantly between handling an object for ten hours a day versus just one hour. This is why I emphasize the importance of play in cultural artifacts. Do you understand now?"
"I understand, but why would someone engage with a bead daily?" Fatty inquired, somewhat puzzled. He believed that only ascetics like Fang Yi would handle prayer beads during their recitations.
"Ah, little fatty, engaging with cultural artifacts is an expression of one's temperament..."
Zhao Hongtao chuckled at Fatty's comment, replying, "Take these beads, for example. By rolling and manipulating them, one can achieve a state of calm and cultivate one's character. Witnessing the beads gradually develop patina and change color in one's hands brings an immense sense of psychological satisfaction. There's a saying among bead enthusiasts: 'Twisting Bodhi is akin to chanting scriptures; with no distractions, the ears are empty. The toil is not for enlightenment, but merely for the Bodhi to flourish.' Do you comprehend this sentiment?"
"Not at all!" Fatty and San Pao shook their heads in unison, their eyes seeking guidance from Fang Yi, the true expert on such matters.
"This phrase seems to mock false monks and charlatans, doesn't it?" Fang Yi remarked with a smile. "Interpreted through the lens of Buddhism, it suggests that while one may twist prayer beads as if engaged in spiritual practice, the teachings of the Buddha have not truly penetrated their heart or ears; they merely feign devotion, laboring not for enlightenment but for fame and profit..."
At this point, Fang Yi paused and looked at Zhao Hongtao, saying, "Brother Zhao, since you are discussing cultural artifacts, surely there are deeper meanings involved?"
"Yes, this saying also pertains to enthusiasts of cultural artifacts..."
Zhao Hongtao nodded, explaining, "Regardless of the type of Bodhi seed, in the end, they all turn red. This phrase refers to those who spend their days playing with Bodhi seeds, not in pursuit of enlightenment, but simply desiring their beads to change color..."
The greatest allure of cultural artifacts lies in the transformation achieved through personal engagement, as the beads develop patina and color. This process yields an indescribable sense of fulfillment for enthusiasts, who often find themselves reciting these very lines.
"Brother Zhao, we understand now..." Fatty and San Pao responded, realizing that their previous ignorance of this psychological evolution stemmed from their lack of experience with cultural artifacts.
"I fear you still do not fully grasp it..."
Zhao Hongtao shook his head with a smile, saying, "Fang Yi, I notice your stall is filled with various items. Why do you and your brothers not wear a few strings to play with? Only by engaging with them personally can you truly comprehend the essence of cultural artifacts..."
"Fang Yi has indeed played with a string, but we were oblivious at the time..." Upon hearing Zhao Hongtao's words, Fatty and San Pao exchanged glances, realizing that to engage in the trade of cultural artifacts, one must also partake in the experience.
"Very well, your first lesson today is to each play with a string of Vajra Bodhi and a string of Star and Moon Bodhi, and every three days, document the changes you observe. Consider this your assignment..."
Initially, Zhao Hongtao had merely enjoyed cultural artifacts, but after experiencing the transformation of his first string of Star and Moon Bodhi, he developed a profound appreciation for the process, delving deeper into the subject. To this day, he still wears that well-aged string around his neck.
"I never realized there was so much depth to cultural artifacts! I should wear a few strings myself..."
As Zhao Hongtao spoke passionately about cultural artifacts, Man Jun listened intently. Although he had engaged in the trade years ago, he had done so blindly, without guidance, unaware of the wealth of knowledge within.
"Let me share some insights on the handling and care of Bodhi seeds..."
While there were many enthusiasts of cultural artifacts in Jinling, Zhao Hongtao's busy work schedule and prominent position left him with few opportunities for interaction. Today, having enjoyed a few drinks, he felt inspired to enlighten Fang Yi and the others.
"Vajra requires scrubbing. Initially, it should be seven parts scrubbing to three parts handling. You must thoroughly clean the crevices of the Vajra Bodhi; otherwise, dirt can accumulate within, and once the patina forms, it becomes nearly impossible to remove. Remember, when handling Vajra, scrub vigorously... As for Star and Moon Bodhi, it primarily relies on handling. You can twist each bead with your fingers or rub them gently. There's a saying in the trade; would you like to hear it?"
"Absolutely!" Everyone, including Man Jun, nodded eagerly.
"Alright, pay attention. This saying encompasses many items you can engage with..."
Zhao Hongtao pondered for a moment, then pointed at the tea table as he began:
"Rub Star and Moon, scrub Vajra, let the olive on your wrist develop patina.
Knead beeswax, select turquoise, whether Nanhong or Baoshan is stronger.
Little Phoenix Eye, big tooth head, coconut shell must be thick to be bold.
Play with tortoiseshell, blood clam, Bodhi root turns to elephant skin.
Red sandalwood, golden silk nanmu, only play with golden star small leaf sandalwood.
Blood dragon wood, emperor wood, the king of woods is Hai Huang.
Play with gourd, nurture singing insects, their calls warm your embrace.
Play with walnuts, be precise, yellow tip and white skin can cause heartache.
One red, one yellow, better to smash them for a sound.
Seek fan bones, request fan faces, yet you remain culturally illiterate.
Various bones, various teeth, their families are deeply saddened.
Red coral, sleeping beauty, paired together they are more upscale.
Carve amber, seek blue light, the hornbill's head adorned in red and yellow..."
In every trade, there are individuals of remarkable skill. This rhyme, crafted by an unknown soul, encapsulates the most common types of cultural artifacts, such as Bodhi seeds, beeswax, turquoise, ivory, tortoiseshell, and blood clam, vividly illustrating each item for easy understanding.
However, the creator of this rhyme appears to be an advocate for animal protection, as the line "various bones, various teeth, their families are deeply saddened" refers to items like ivory, tiger bones, and rhino horns.
Since these animals are protected species, any trade involving them is illegal. Thus, such cultural artifacts are often heirlooms, commanding higher prices and falling into the category of high-end collectibles.
"Such knowledge is truly enlightening..."
After Zhao Hongtao recited the rhyme in one breath, it took a while for Man Jun to applaud. Unlike Fang Yi and the others, he had previous exposure to cultural artifacts, allowing him to form a more vivid impression upon hearing the rhyme.
"Alright, you three should digest this information for now..." Zhao Hongtao laughed heartily, turning to Sun Laoshi and saying, "Teacher, it's getting late; shall we conclude our discussion for today?"
The arrest of Gu Guoguang was a significant incident for the museum, and a meeting was scheduled for early tomorrow to discuss it. Additionally, Zhao Hongtao needed to inquire about Fang Yi's advanced certificate, prompting his desire to return home early for rest.
"Very well, let's call it a day..." Sun Lianda nodded and turned to Man Jun, saying, "Xiao Man, I'll be back tomorrow for dinner. Afterward, I'll take Fang Yi back to continue his studies. Are you welcoming this arrangement?"
"Oh, you flatter me, Teacher! I wholeheartedly welcome you..." Man Jun beamed at Sun Laoshi's words. He would gladly host him for years without a hint of complaint.
"Then it's settled; I shall return tomorrow..."
Sun Lianda laughed, but he intended to give Fang Yi some money to pass on to Man Jun. After all, he couldn't have his disciple gaining a reputation for being a freeloader.
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