บท 73: The Role of Beads in Decorative Arts
"The current prices of decorative art pieces are not very high, significantly lower than those of antiques. If I were to appraise your string of beads, I would estimate it to be between eight thousand and fifteen thousand..." As he played with the large bodhi bead in his hand, Zhao Hongtao provided his valuation.
"Zhao Ge, this price is considerably cheaper than that of the old starry moon beads, isn't it?" Upon hearing Zhao Hongtao's figure, Fang Yi was momentarily taken aback, having expected this string to fetch over twenty thousand.
"Starry moon beads typically consist of one hundred and eight beads, which can be worn by both men and women..." Zhao Hongtao explained. "In contrast, this large bodhi bead is predominantly worn by men, thus limiting its appeal. Additionally, the number of beads in a bracelet is far fewer than those in a necklace, which also serves as a criterion for pricing..."
"I understand now, Zhao Ge..." Fang Yi nodded, acknowledging Zhao Hongtao's reasoning. With only a dozen beads in this bracelet compared to over a hundred in a necklace, it was indeed logical that the prices would differ.
"Don't be in such a hurry; the price I mentioned was merely from the perspective of decorative arts..." Zhao Hongtao suddenly chuckled, weighing the large bodhi bead and continued, "Fang Yi, since you're not planning to part with that old starry moon string, why not sell me this bodhi bead instead? I'll offer you thirty thousand; what do you think?"
"Hmm? Zhao Ge, why has the price suddenly changed to thirty thousand?" Fang Yi was momentarily puzzled, looking at Zhao Hongtao in confusion.
"Just tell me if you're willing to sell it or not?" Zhao Hongtao teased, genuinely fond of this string of well-preserved, evenly colored bodhi beads. The aura emanating from this piece was entirely different from the greasy scent often associated with items from Tibetan regions.
"Zhao Ge, I truly cannot sell this; it has already been reserved by the chubby one for someone else..." Fang Yi replied with a wry smile. "How about this, Zhao Ge? I'll show it to the person who made the reservation. If she doesn't find it appealing, then consider it a gift from me to you..."
Previously, Zhao Hongtao had gifted Fang Yi a valuable Hainan yellow rosewood bracelet, and Fang Yi had been contemplating how to reciprocate. Had it not been for the chubby one and San Pao agreeing to assist that Officer Bai, Fang Yi would have genuinely intended to present it to Zhao Hongtao.
"Hey, can't you think of your Zhao Ge when you come across something good?" Zhao Hongtao expressed his frustration. He had been studying and playing with beads for over a decade, and treasures that caught his eye were exceedingly rare. Just when he found something he liked and Fang Yi was willing to sell, it turned out to be reserved by someone else.
"Zhao Ge, how about this? I'll select something from my master's collection for you later; what do you think?" After contemplating, Fang Yi realized he could craft a string of old beads in just half a day. Rather than owe Zhao Hongtao a favor, he preferred to create something for him, albeit under the guise of his master's name.
Not only did he wish to present something to Zhao Hongtao, but Fang Yi also wanted to gift a string to Brother Sun Chao. From their previous encounter in the hospital, where Sun Chao had offered a million, it was evident that he genuinely appreciated decorative arts. Moreover, given his connection to Sun Lao, Fang Yi felt it necessary to express his gratitude.
"Uh... I'm not sure about that; those are your master's relics..." Upon hearing Fang Yi's suggestion, Zhao Hongtao felt a bit embarrassed. After a moment's thought, he ultimately could not resist the allure and said, "If you're willing to part with your master's belongings, I assure you I will offer a generous price..."
"Zhao Ge, if you're talking about money, then I can't give it to you..." Fang Yi shook his head and replied, "I cannot sell my master's possessions for profit. Moreover, I hope you won't resell what I gift you; that's my small request..."
"Alright, Fang Yi, you can rest assured that once it's in my possession, I would never sell it..." Zhao Hongtao nodded earnestly, making a promise to Fang Yi.
"By the way, Fang Yi, what do you plan to give me? Shall we go take a look now?" After seeing two exquisite pieces from Fang Yi, Zhao Hongtao was unable to contain his excitement, eager to discover what other treasures Fang Yi's master had.
"Zhao Ge, let me bring it to you tomorrow..." Fang Yi quickly interrupted Zhao Hongtao's thoughts. What a joke! The beads he had just purchased were still hidden under his pillow; returning now would surely expose him.
"Well, surely you can at least tell me what it is?" Zhao Hongtao, now in his forties, displayed a childlike curiosity, revealing his obsession with decorative arts.
Those who engage in decorative arts typically go through several stages. The first stage involves making costly purchases of worthless items, a common experience for nearly everyone. After gaining experience, one learns to discern the quality of objects, marking the entry into the next stage.
In the decorative arts community, there's a saying: "Once you enter the depths of decorative arts, it's as vast as the sea." Once one has entered, they are often inseparable from their beads, their fingers constantly playing with objects, whether eating or sleeping, witnessing the gradual aging of their possessions.
After crafting a few strings of old beads, one enters the third stage, which involves seeking more exquisite antique decorative pieces. Simply gazing at the beautifully aged treasures on one's desk becomes a source of joy.
However, relying solely on personal craftsmanship, it would take a decade to produce a few quality pieces. What to do then? Purchase them, of course. This necessitates that those in the third stage possess a certain financial capability, as well-crafted items command prices far beyond those of new decorative pieces.
Zhao Hongtao currently occupied the third stage. Although he continued to play with his pieces, he desired to acquire anything he found appealing. With his reputation in the circle and the exchanges he made, he had sufficient financial means to pursue exquisite items.
"These are also bodhi beads, but smaller, consisting of one hundred and eight beads..." Observing Zhao Hongtao's fondness for bodhi beads, Fang Yi decided to craft a string of old bodhi beads for him. Though the materials he purchased today were of average quality, given his time spent with his master in the mountains, he had little access to superior materials. This felt more authentic.
Moreover, in the hierarchy of decorative arts, the material's quality is far less significant than the process of playing with it.
In other words, even a piece made from ordinary materials can become a treasure with enough care, while even the finest Hainan yellow rosewood, if mishandled, can turn into worthless debris.
"I do indeed have a fondness for bodhi beads..." After a reluctant glance at the large bodhi bead in his hand, Zhao Hongtao returned it to Fang Yi, stating, "Fang Yi, this string of beads has been consecrated as a Buddhist artifact and cannot be appraised merely as a decorative piece. The selling price should not fall below thirty thousand, and you can decide how much more to add..."
Although Zhao Hongtao did not engage in the buying and selling of decorative arts, he occasionally sold items to sustain his hobby. He was well-versed in the prices of various decorative pieces, knowing that if he encountered someone knowledgeable and appreciative, Fang Yi's large bodhi bead could easily command fifty to eighty thousand.
"By the way, if that person doesn't want it, you must bring it back to your Zhao Ge..." Zhao Hongtao added with a hint of longing. Among the bodhi beads he had seen, none matched the rich patina and color of Fang Yi's piece. Presenting it at gatherings would undoubtedly garner attention.
"Rest assured, Zhao Ge. I'll offer her fifty thousand; if she declines, I'll bring it back to you..." Upon hearing Zhao Hongtao's words, Fang Yi felt a surge of determination. After all, he had no personal connection with that Officer Bai; the item could be sold to her, but he would ensure the price was satisfactory. It was up to her whether she wanted to buy it or not.
"You rascal, that's quite a bold move..." Zhao Hongtao chuckled. Modern individuals often lack understanding of ritual artifacts, with many unaware that consecrated items and ritual tools are essentially the same. If Fang Yi were to set a price of fifty thousand, an uninformed buyer might very well decline.
Zhao Hongtao glanced at his watch; it was already past one o'clock, and today's class had yet to begin. He then said, "Alright, let's set aside these matters for now. Yesterday, I introduced you to some classifications of decorative arts; today, I'll discuss the adornments associated with decorative beads, which are a crucial component of the art..."
Adornments, often referred to as accompanying beads, primarily serve an aesthetic purpose in contemporary decorative arts. A string of beads, when paired with items such as coral, turquoise, or southern red, can greatly enhance its overall appeal.
However, in earlier times, the various types of decorative beads held significant meaning. For example, the Buddha head among the beads symbolizes completeness in virtue and wisdom.
When Buddhists manipulate their beads, they must pause at the Buddha head, turning it around to start anew, signifying the severance of all troubles and the attainment of enlightenment, ready to return and guide all sentient beings.
Similarly, in Tibetan Buddhist beads, the counters possess special significance. They are placed between beads to keep track, moving the counter down by one bead for each recitation of a long mantra.
When the counter moves from one end to the other, it signifies the completion of one hundred and eight recitations, equating to a total of eleven thousand six hundred and sixty-four recitations of a sacred name or sutra, serving as a tool in the practice of adornments.
"Buddhists recite sutras, while Taoists recite scriptures and mantras. In this regard, they share a commonality..." Upon hearing Zhao Hongtao's explanation, Fang Yi nodded. However, he had simplified his own practice, having memorized the entire Dao De Jing since childhood, allowing him to recite it fifty-one times with one hundred and eight beads.
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