A high-quality purple Clay pot is unforgettable, and it should possess four qualities: first, it must be visually appealing, captivating at first sight; second, it must withstand close and repeated inspection, never tiring the eye; third, it must have a certain charm, leaving one in awe of its subtleties; fourth, there must be a connection, making one think fondly of it when away.
Being visually appealing means that it should be pleasing to the eye, standing out among other purple clay pots with an extraordinary and unique character that is memorable and captivating. It's important to note that being visually appealing does not mean being overly flashy or attention-seeking. Those artifacts that try to grab attention through bizarre shapes or eccentric decorations may have initial visual appeal but are ultimately unappealing due to their excessive showiness.
Withstanding close and repeated inspection means that the pot can endure detailed and repeated viewing, offering something new each time and never becoming tiresome. Some pots may initially impress but upon closer inspection reveal poor craftsmanship. Outstanding purple clay art has spirit and soul. Capturing this ethereal essence in the work is a demanding test for purple clay artists. To achieve the standard of enduring and rewarding inspection, the artist must not only have depth and creativity in their design concept but also ensure that every detail is impeccable and every step of the process is executed flawlessly.
Having charm means that the work embodies thoughtfulness, philosophy, mystery, and wit. These higher-level ideas often have an indescribable quality. Laozi's statement “The Dao that can be told is not the eternal Dao; the name that can be named is not the eternal name” points to this characteristic. Tao Yuanming's “Herein lies the true meaning, yet words fail when I try to express it” describes the same phenomenon. For those indescribable thoughts, philosophies, mysteries, and wits, people often refer to them collectively as “wonder.” Wonder is a realm, a natural charm, and an aesthetic experience where one finds endless delight and Beauty. Therefore, if a purple clay pot can evoke a sense of wonder, it is undoubtedly a masterpiece and the pinnacle of purple clay artistry.
Having a connection means that when you are away from it, you miss it. Its appearance and image linger in your mind. This point is particularly important and represents my latest insight. If you find yourself constantly thinking about a particular pot, chances are you won't regret purchasing it. If you don't buy it, you might feel uneasy, and life might seem less enjoyable. By the time you decide to go back for it, someone else may have already bought it.
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