"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.
"Zhao Ge, I comprehend now…"
Zhao Hongtao was aware that Fang Yi lacked foundational knowledge in this domain, thus he elaborated extensively. Fang Yi absorbed the information with great diligence and displayed exceptional understanding; he was able to grasp numerous concepts with merely a brief mention from Zhao Hongtao. The hour spent together was entirely fruitful.
"By the way, don't leave just yet; hand me that string of beads…" Just as the clock struck two in the afternoon and Fang Yi was preparing to take his leave, Zhao Hongtao suddenly called out to him.
"What's the matter, Zhao Ge?" Confounded, Fang Yi removed the Vajra bracelet and handed it to Zhao Hongtao.
"Your beads are indeed valued at fifty thousand, but they are rather plain. Allow me to enhance them a bit…" As he spoke, Zhao Hongtao placed the string of Vajra beads into a cushioned box, then cut the string, causing the beads to scatter.
"Now, Fang Yi, let's test your knowledge. Can you identify the material of this bead?" After severing the string of large Vajra beads, Zhao Hongtao opened a drawer and retrieved a bead approximately two centimeters in diameter, its surface a rich red with a slightly irregular shape.
"If I am not mistaken, this bead should be coral, correct?"
Fang Yi examined the bead closely for some time before tentatively providing an answer. Initially, he thought it might be a southern red bead, but upon closer inspection, he noticed concentric growth rings on its surface, aligning perfectly with Zhao Hongtao's description of coral.
"You clever lad, you learn quickly…"
Seeing that Fang Yi recognized the bead, Zhao Hongtao shook his head in mild disbelief. It had taken him half a year after entering the antique market to discern the differences between southern red, coral, and old red glass.
"This bead qualifies as an Akha-level coral, which is quite rare in the market and should be priced around three thousand…"
Zhao Hongtao rubbed the coral bead thoughtfully and continued, "Once you have some spare funds, consider collecting such items. I assure you, within a decade, the price of this bead could increase twenty-fold…"
Zhao Hongtao not only had a passion for decorative arts but also possessed extensive knowledge about them. In his view, renewable resources like decorative beads had limited potential for price appreciation. Even the increasingly popular decorative walnuts were not something he held in high regard, as they could be artificially cultivated, leading to a devaluation once supply increased.
However, he was certain that items crafted from scarce minerals, as well as those made from animal horns and teeth, would see significant price surges in the future. For instance, objects made from Asian rhino horn are already quite rare and highly valued in today's market.
Zhao Hongtao believed that in another decade, as these items approach extinction, their prices would certainly skyrocket. He had witnessed the value of some items he purchased casually ten years ago multiply over ten times.
"Zhao Ge, are you planning to combine this coral with the Vajra beads?" Upon seeing Zhao Hongtao take out string for threading the beads, Fang Yi began to understand his intention.
"Exactly! Adding this coral bead will elevate the status of your Vajra bracelet; this is what we call the finishing touch…" Zhao Hongtao nodded, swiftly threading the large Vajra beads together and tying them off before handing the bracelet back to Fang Yi.
"Indeed, it's transformed…"
Holding the bracelet in his hands, Fang Yi couldn't help but express his admiration. While he had gained a conceptual understanding of the significance of adornments from Zhao Hongtao's explanations, having the tangible item in hand rendered the experience profoundly more vivid.
"Zhao Ge, I will repay you for this later…" Fang Yi donned the bracelet, intending to ask San Pao for the money tomorrow to return to Zhao Hongtao, as he intended to sell this item; he could not take advantage of the three thousand yuan.
"What are you saying? Are you slapping Zhao Ge in the face?" Hearing Fang Yi's words, Zhao Hongtao's expression became serious as he replied, "If you're counting money, then when you bring that item tomorrow, Zhao Ge will also pay you, alright?"
"Fine, forget I said anything…"
Fang Yi chuckled wryly upon hearing this. He had initially intended to repay Zhao Hongtao for the string of Hainan yellow rosewood, but unexpectedly found himself in debt once more, and the calculations seemed increasingly convoluted.
"Alright, I must get back to work now. You should hurry home…" Zhao Hongtao waved his hand and said, "Don't forget to bring my beads tomorrow. If they are inferior to this string of Vajra beads, you can expect me to settle the score…"
…
After concluding his midday studies, Fang Yi returned to the market, only to find that Fatty and San Pao had not yet returned. Man Jun had again overindulged the previous night and had yet to open the shop. Fang Yi opened Man Jun's store and began to set up his own stall.
Compared to a few days prior, Fang Yi had now grasped a considerable amount of theoretical knowledge regarding decorative arts; what he lacked was merely practical experience. However, since he was selling rather than buying, the knowledge he had acquired was sufficient to impress those buyers with only a superficial understanding.
Moreover, Fang Yi's handsome appearance, coupled with his approachable smile, made him quite likable. After setting up his stall for over an hour, he successfully sold several items, earning multiple thumbs-up from a neighboring stall owner.
By three in the afternoon, Fatty, San Pao, and Lao Ma finally returned to the market. It seemed they hadn't purchased much; Fatty was empty-handed while San Pao held a large plastic bag from the supermarket, presumably filled with the beads they had acquired.
"Thank you, Ma Ge…" Fang Yi hurriedly went to the shop to retrieve Lao Ma's items, repeatedly expressing his gratitude. After all, it was a favor when someone forwent their own business to assist you with purchases.
"Fang Yi, it was just a matter of running a few errands; no need to be so polite…"
Upon hearing Fang Yi's words, Lao Ma's expression brightened. He realized he had established a connection with these young men, and in the future, as long as their encounters in the market were not significant, Fang Yi and the others would likely lend him a helping hand.
"We owe a debt of gratitude to Ma Ge; without him, we would have spent at least an additional thousand yuan on this bag of beads…" San Pao interjected, noting that he and Fatty had gained valuable insights from this trip.
When they arrived at the wholesale market, Lao Ma encountered an acquaintance at the entrance and chatted for a moment. Fatty and San Pao eagerly entered the market, approaching the stalls selling beads to inquire about prices. Since they had no prior experience in this area, they had no way of knowing if the prices offered were high or low.
However, when Lao Ma entered the market and inquired about the same stall's prices, the vendor's response was significantly lower—almost half of what Fatty and San Pao had been quoted. The two were left dumbfounded, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration.
Yet, the vendor's explanation effortlessly dispelled San Pao's questioning; he explained that Lao Ma was purchasing wholesale and receiving a wholesale price, while he and San Pao were buying retail, hence the price difference.
Upon reflection, Fatty and San Pao conceded that the vendor had a point. As the saying goes, "familiarity breeds ease," and they proceeded to purchase beads from that stall, where the vendor was quite accommodating, providing everything from Buddha heads and towers to waist beads and cloud motifs.
"How much did you spend in total?" Fang Yi casually inquired.
"Just under fifteen hundred, enough to assemble three hundred strings of beads…" San Pao checked the ledger and replied.
"Three hundred strings of beads for only fifteen hundred?" Fang Yi was momentarily taken aback, then turned to Lao Ma and remarked with a wry smile, "Ma Ge, most of the items they purchased must be plastic, right?"
Had this conversation taken place before Fang Yi's midday studies, he would have had no idea whether fifteen hundred was a reasonable price. However, after learning about bead materials from Zhao Hongtao, he understood that fifteen hundred yuan would barely cover a few grams of Akha-level old coral beads.
"Those beads aren't worth much; you don't need high-quality beads for them…" Lao Ma chuckled. They were all small vendors, and those truly engaged in high-end decorative arts were typically focused on their shops; there was simply no market for premium items at this stall.
Thus, many of the beads Lao Ma had helped Fatty and San Pao purchase were indeed plastic, with even the cheapest natural stones being scarce. Of course, those unfamiliar with the trade would not recognize this, perfectly illustrating the concept of being "affordable and beautiful."
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