Changsha Kiln Folk Ceramics As a Medium to Express

Original papers Received July 12, 2012; Accepted November 2, 2012 CHANGSHA KILN FOLK CERAMICS AS A MEDIUM TO CHANGSHA KILN FOLK CERAMICS AS A MEDIUM TO CHANGSHAEXPRESS KILN ORDINARY FOLK CERAMICS PEOPLE’S AS THOUGHTS A MEDIUM TO ThroughEXPRESS an Analysis of the ORDINARY Poems and Proverbs PEOPLE’S Inscribed on Ancient THOUGHTS Changsha Kiln Ceramics ThroughEXPRESS an Analysis of the ORDINARY Poems and Proverbs PEOPLE’S Inscribed on Ancient THOUGHTS Changsha Kiln Ceramics Through an Analysis of the Poems and Proverbs Inscribed on Ancient Changsha Kiln Ceramics WANG Baosheng, Naoto SUZUKI WANG Baosheng, Naoto SUZUKI WANG Baosheng, Naoto SUZUKI Chiba University, 1-33, Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 263-8522 Japan Chiba University, 1-33, Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 263-8522 Japan Chiba University, 1-33, Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 263-8522 Japan Abstract: Under the onslaught of modernization, regional uniqueness has been disappearing at an Abunprstecedenteract: Undde prace the. In o nsordlauergh tot ofsolve mo derthe nizatiissueon of, culturegionalral homogenization, uniqueness has bthieens paper disap pcoeanteringnds at that an Abuthenpr stvecedentealracuet: of Un fodde lkp racecrafts the. In o nsinord laumaiergh ntotainit ofsolve ngmo regdertheio nizatiinssalue union ofqu, cultureneegionalssral s houhomogenization, unldiq uenessbe recogn hasize bthid.een sThere paper disapfor pcoe,eante ria ngresnds eaat that rchan uthehasnpr vbecedentealeeuen coofnd foducte lkp acecraftsd .to In iden inord maitierfy nto tainithe solve songcial regthe iov alueinssalue suni ofofqu Chcultueneanssgshral s houahomogenization, Kldiln be ce recamicogns izeas thi d.a sTheref olpaperk craftfor coe, nte bya resndsproea bithatrchng thehasinto v bthealeeuen u coofniquend fouctelk phenomen craftsd to idenin maiontify nthat tainithe Chasongcial regng shaiovaluen alKil suni nof quce Cheneramicanssgsh sprohoua Kductldiln be ces werecamicreogn employeds izeas d.a Therefolk ascraftfor a e,medium bya resproeabi rchforng hasintheto com btheeen pos uconiqueitindonucte phenomenofd p tooem idens aontindfy that ptherov Chasoerbscialng to shav ealuexpr Kilse ssnof ce theChr amicanthougsh ghproa tsKduct ofiln ordces werinaamicrery employed spe asop ale f.ol Thisk ascraft apaper medium by proinitiallbi forngy inthedemonstratesto com the posuniqueiti onthe phenomen ofclose poem links a onbetweennd thatprov Chae rbstheng toelitesha expr classKilessn andcether amicthTangou gh proPoetrytsduct of ordsand weina explainsrery employed peop lethe. Thisreason as apaper medium why in poetryitiall fory wthedemonstratesas com combinedpositi onthe w ofitcloseh p Changoem links a sbetweenndha pKrovilne prrbstheod toeliteucts expr classtoe ssfor andthem athTang fouolkgh Poetrycetsr amicof ordand art.ina explains ryThen peop it lethe conduct. Thisreason papers anwhy inin -poetryitialldeptyh wandemonstratesasaly cosismbined of the the wcha itclosehr acteChang linkristic sbetweenhas ofKiln the prthe ceod reliteuamiccts classto p oemfor andms anda Tang fol prk ovePoetryceramicrbs andas art. a explains fThenolk art it the andconduct reason the stho anwhyug inhts -poetrydept anhd wanfeelingsasaly cosismbined ofof ordinarythe wchaithr actepeopleChangris ticsembodiedhas ofKiln the pr inceod rthem.uamiccts to Thisp oemfor mpapers anda fol concludesprk oveceramicrbs asthat art. a the fThenolk practice art it andconduct of the ordinary stho anug inhts people-dept anhd anfeelingsusingaly sisceramics ofof ordinarythe ascha a r mediumactepeopleris ticembodied fors of composing the ince rthem.amic poems Thispoem and papers andproverbs concludesprove torbs express asthat a thef olktheir practice art thoughts and of the ordinary in t hoordinaryughts people anlifed feelingsusing ceramics of ordinary as a mediumpeople embodied for composing in them. poems This and paper proverbs concludes to express that the their practice thoughts of ordinary in ordinary people life inusing maintaining ceramics regionalas a medium identity. for composing poems and proverbs to express their thoughts in ordinary life Keywords:in maintaining Changsha regional Kiln, identity. Ceramic Poems and Proverbs, Folk Craft, Regional Identity Keywords:in maintaining Changsha regional Kiln, identity. Ceramic Poems and Proverbs, Folk Craft, Regional Identity Keywords: Changsha Kiln, Ceramic Poems and Proverbs, Folk Craft, Regional Identity

1. Introduction used by ordinary people. Besides their daily practical uses, 1.1. 1. Introduction Research Background and Objective Chausedngsh by oard Kinailnry pr peopleoducts. alBesosides serve thdei asr daily a ca rrprieacticalr of po usemes,s 1.1.1. IntroductionIn Research spite of Backgroundall its benef its,and economic Objective gl obalization is Chausanded ngsh prbyov oaerrd Kbsinail nwry prhi peopleochdu reflects. alBectsoedsides ser ordive thdnaei asrry daily ape cao rrplpriee’sacticalr ofthoug po usemhtes,s 1.1. sp ee In Researchd inspiteg up of the Backgroundall process its benef of its, andcu lturaleconomic Objective homogenizatio gl obalizationn an isd Chaandand ngshprlifeov apher Kbsiloil nwso prhiphochduie sreflect ats althctsoated ser time.ordivedna Thereasry ape cafororrple,iee’sr Chan ofthoug pogsemhthas spr egi ee Inodnal inspiteg unup ofi quthe allene process itsss benefis vaofits,ni cush lturaleconomicing at ho anmogenizatio glunpobralizationecedenten an isd andand prlifeov pherbsilo wsohiphchie srefle at thctated time.ordina Therery peforople,e’s Chan thouggshthas spregieedeeodnal innog wunupadayi quthes.ene process Howss is to vaof reviveni cushlturaling cu lat tuho ranalmogenizatio diunpverrsecedenteity inn anthde crandeated life byph iloordinasophryie spe atop thleat an time.d co mmThereonlyfor use, edChan in thgseihar rspcoegieedntempoonal no wunraryadayiqu ages.ene How ssis isan to va irsseviveniuesh iworng cu latthytu ran alof diunp sveturrsdy.ecedenteity Yanagi in thde crdaileatedy li fe.by Anordinacientry Cha peopngshle ana Kd ilcon mmrelicon wasly us discoed inve thredeir spcoSoetseedntempou ,no thewraryaday initiat ages. orHow isof an Jato p iranesesseviveue wor Micunglthytueir al ofMo di svevtuementrsdy.ity Yanagi in(F olkthe crdailurieatedyng li fe.theby An orsecdinacieondntry Chaha pelfopngsh ofle theana Kd T ilcowentien mmreliconth wasly C usent discoedu ryin ve aftethredeir coSoetsArnt tempoMou, vtheemerary innt)itiat age claimor isof ansJa th pianesessatue the wor Miunngthyiquei en ofMoes ssvtu ementofdy. a Yanagin (Fatiolkon ditailuris exyng tili nfe.thecti An on.seccie ondEnntor Chahamouslfngsh of ef thefora K tsTil wentienhave relic bth eenwas C entpu discotu intory veafte redther SoetsArmatn Moifestsu, vtheeme directly innt)itiat claimor in of objects sJa thpaneseat the for Miun evngiquereiyen daMoesy svu ementofse aan n d(Fati thatolkon ditresturis exorngtiati nthection on.secof ChaondEnor ngshhamouslfa of Kef iltheforn totsT daywentiehave an bdtheen soC meentpu tu printoryog afteress ther Armaregitn oMoifestsnalv oreme directly natint)on claimal inuni objectssqu theneat ssthe for ap un peveaiquerrsy ennodaesticeably su ofse yaan inndati fthatolonk itresthass exorbeetiatinnction ma on.ofde. ChaEn Howorngshmeveousar, Keftheilfornre tots are dayhave al anso b deensevere so mepu tprob printooglemress thes marcrafeginotsifestsnal. Th oris directly natinotioonnal ca inunni objects bequ enetranslatess for ap pevdea interrsy onoda anticeably awause ryaneness ind fthatol ofk resthasduring orbeeati thenon ma restoration ofde. Cha Howngsh eveprocess.ar, Ktheil nreLocal to areday craftspeopleal anso dsevere some probandprog otherlemresss rcraftheegi otsvalnal. Thues oris ofnatino ftioolkonnal cacrafts, unni bequ enewtranslatehichss ap arepdea intthers ono veryanticeabl awa strryeneness ingth fol oftok hassduringtake bhoee thelden ma rsrestoration de.are Howtrying eveprocess. tor, restthe orreLocale are Cha craftspeoplealngshso severea Kiln probandcer amicotherlems crafthesupp tsvalor. tThues theis ofuniqueneno ftioolkn cacrafts,ssn obef a wtranslateregiohichn areodr c inttheountry[1].o veryan awa str Therenenessregthfor oftoe, duringsasta high-endkeho thelde rsrestoration artworks, are trying whichprocess. to rest makes orLocale Cha Changsha craftspeoplengsha KKilniln and ceceramicsr amicothers tothesu ppr ecvalorogtues thenize ofuniquene ftheolk valuecrafts,ss ofs a wofregiohich folkn areo craftsr c theountry[1]. veryin maintainin str Theenregthfor toe,g sasresembleta high-endkeholde otherrs artworks, are ceramics trying which toand rest losemakesor etheir Cha Changsha uniqueness.ngsha KKilniln ceceramicsramics toregsu pprioecornogalt the nizecultu uniquene rethe in value thess o contempofs a ofregio folkn orary craftsr country[1]. age in will maintainin Thego are longfore,g as resemble high-endAgainst other theartworks, ceramicsaforementioned which and losemakes background, their Changsha uniqueness. this Kiln paper ceramics seeks toregway rioec towardnogal nizecultu encouraging rethe in value the contempo scultural of folk diversity.rary crafts age in will maintainin go a longg resemble to ideAgainstnti fyother thethe ceramicsaforementioned social v andalues lose ofbackground, theirChang uniqueness.sha thisKiln paper ceramic seekss reg way Changshaio towardnal cultu encouraging Kiln,re in a thefamous contempo cultural ceramic diversity.rary kiln age in willTang go Dynasty, a long toas ideaAgainst fonlktify craft thethe aforementioned inso maintaicial valningues ofregibackground, Chonangal idensha thistitKyiln paperthro ceuramic ghseeks ans way Changsha toward encouraging Kiln, a famous cultural ceramic diversity. kiln in Tang Dynasty, toasana idealy fosisnlkti fy ofcraft thethe in sopoem maintaicials vandalningues pr oveofregi Chrbsonangal insc idenshari bedtitKyiln tonhro ce ancuramicghi enanst on Changshaits produ ctKiln,s, wh a icfamoush were ceramic mainly kiln dail iny Tangitem sDynasty, widely Changshaasana aly fosislk of craftKiln the products.in poem maintais andning pr overegirbsonal insc idenribedtity tonhro ancughi enant on its products, which were mainly daily items widely Changshaanalysis of Kiln the products. poems and proverbs inscribed on ancient on its products, which were mainly daily items widely Changsha Kiln products. Copyright © 2012 日本デザイン学会 All Rights Reserved. THE SCIENCE OF DESIGN B U L L E T I N O F JSSD Vol. 60 No. 2 2013 1 1.2. Research Methods (618A.D.-907A.D.), and gradually declined in the Five Poetry has been closely associated with the upper class, have drawn enormous academic attention since they were A literature review has been conducted in this paper. The Dynasties (907A.D.-960A.D.). One of the most important or elite class including governmental officials, aristocrats, discovered. Substantial academic achievements have articles, books as well as other sources pertaining to the achievements of Changsha Kiln was its invention of under- the intelligentsia and the wealthy, though almost anyone, been made during this process. However, current relevant research topic, fall into two categories. The first sources glazed polychrome painting technology. It also pioneered regardless of his/her social class was capable of writing researchers mainly focus on interpreting the meanings of are those in-depth researches about the poems and proverbs to inscribe poems, proverbs and advertising slogans on poems. At that time, an examination called the Imperial these inscriptions and appreciating them from a calligraphic on Changsha Kiln products. For instance, The Abandoned its products for decoration. Changsha Kiln overthrew the Examination was designed to select the best administrative perspective. Admittedly, such researches have recognized Child of Tang Poetry (2000), by Xiao Xiang, expounds in predominance of white porcelain kiln groups in northern officials for the state's bureaucracy. To succeed the the aesthetic values of the poems and proverbs on Changsha great detail the connotations and meanings of the poems on China and celadon kiln groups in the south as shown in examination, scholars were required to master the skills Kiln products, yet have unfortunately failed to realize the Changsha Kiln products. Changsha Kiln (2004, 3 volumes), Figure 1. Meanwhile, Changsha kiln managed to expand its of writing poems, which had sophisticated styles and social values of Changsha Kiln ceramics as a folk craft. by Li Binghui, is the most noted book till now with a business into over 20 overseas markets, mainly the ancient profound contents pertaining to major social and ethical Those values are something beyond the two practical comprehensive collection of Changsha Kiln ceramic photos Middle East, and became the largest porcelain exporter at issues. This system exerted a huge influence on both society functions mentioned above. i.e. the ceramic carriers of those (some 80 photos) and simple introductions of Changsha that time with its elaborately designed products catering for and culture in Imperial China and directly gave birth to poems and proverbs are not only daily items widely used Kiln. Secondly, the authors refer to many sources that are various foreign tastes[3]. a class of scholar-bureaucrats irrespective of their family by ordinary people in their everyday life, but also, more not so closely related to Changsha Kiln ceramic poetry, yet White porcelain kilns in pedigree. Perhaps nowhere else in the world has lyric importantly, serve as a medium to express ordinary people’s might help the authors recognize Changsha Kiln ceramic northern China poetry ever occupied such a significant position. Besides the thoughts and feelings as a folk craft. poetry from a broader mind. For instance, a book called intelligentsia, other upper class members were also educated 3.3. The Reasons for the Combination of Poetry and A full Collection of Tang Poetry (edited by Cao Yan and to write sophisticated poems as poetic composition was Ceramics Peng Dingqiu, Qing dynasty), is the most comprehensive an integral part of individual talents. And, beginning with source related to Tang Poetry. Furthermore, some sources the founder of the dynasty down to the last ruler, almost Changsha pertaining to other ceramics around the world, both the folk every one of the emperors was a great lover and patron of and elite ceramics, are referred to for a parallel comparison, poetry, and many were poets themselves. Therefore, Tang such as A History of Chinese Ceramics (2009), published by Celadon porcelain Poetry has developed close ties with the elite class since its kilns in Cultural Relic Press, China, and The Potter’s Eye: Art and Changsha Kiln ceramics beginning. Almost all the Tang poems had been considered with poetic inscriptions southern China Tradition in North Carolina Pottery, coauthored by Mark Figure 1. The Position of Changsha Kiln to be the products of the literati or scholar-bureaucrats Hewitt and Nancy Sweezy. The authors also dabble into Therefore, in spite of its short history, Changsha Kiln prior to the discovery of Changsha Kiln poems, which were Figure 2. Various Poetic Media some books concerning folk crafts such as a book called In has contributed enormously to the ceramic development mainly composed by anonymous common people. In Tang Dynasty, poems were usually inscribed on walls, Pursuit of Composite Beauty-Yanagi Soetsu, His Aesthetics of China. Yet, surprisingly, Changsha Kiln porcelain had 3.2. The Functions of Ceramic Products paper, thin silk and other uncommon media, such as botanic and Aspiration for Peace (2011), written by Nakami Mari, not been included in any historical record and remained Like other ceramics, Changsha Kiln ceramic products are leaves, folding fans, stones and traditional Chinese screens which deeply analyzes Japanese Mingei Movement (Folk unknown to the world until the 1950s when its ancient relic created to meet varied daily demands of human being and as shown in Figure 2. Interestingly, varied architectural Art Movement, initiated by Yanagi Soetsu). Moreover, the was discovered and large numbers of its products were their functions are closely linked with varying human daily walls, such as post houses, hotels and temples, served as a authors try to get fully immersed in the social background excavated successively in many countries around the world. activities, such as drinking (wine or tea kettles and cups, primary medium for poetic composition in Tang Dynasty. of Tang Dynasty through reading such books as A Cultural Especially, a ninth-century Arab shipwreck in Indonesia was bottles for drawing water from well), eating (bowls, plates), Red or white walls, often carefully decorated, were perfect History of Tang Dynasty (2003, Fudan University Press), by discovered in 1998, on which there were thousands of well- preserving and processing food (rice or oil jars, ceramic places for poets to write poems. Poets expressed their Xu Lianda. preserved Changsha Kiln ceramic products[4]. Changsha stoves, grinders) and other daily practices (ceramic pillows, thoughts and communicated with other poets through Moreover, the KJ-Method is employed to interpret the Kiln has gradually become a hot subject of academic lights, writing brush stands, dressing cases, incense burners, inscribing poems on walls. For instance, post house was a ceramic poems and proverbs and analyze the thoughts and research. After decades of academic studies, the values cuspidors). Moreover, Changsha Kiln products are used for type of hotel in ancient China for accommodating official feelings of ordinary people embodied in them. of Changsha Kiln ceramics have been fully recognized. other non-daily purposes as well, such as their utilities in messengers, governmental officials, especially exiled Reviewing the ceramic history of China, it can be found funeral rituals. Besides all their daily functions, Changsha officials, on a trip. When an exiled official (usually also a 2. Changsha Kiln Introduction that Changsha Kiln was the first and only ceramic kiln to products are also employed as pure decoration items, such poet) saw a sad poem on the wall of a post house written Changsha Kiln, located in Tongguan County, Changsha, inscribe poems and proverbs onto ceramic products. as flower vases, ceramic figurines. Generally speaking, by another exiled official before, he would write a poem China, was a famous ceramic kiln in Tang Dynasty. whether a ceramic product is produced for practical use to express his thoughts as a reply to the poem he saw. According to historical records, from the primitive age, 3. Poetic Culture and Changsha Kiln Ceramics or decoration, the ceramic product, as an art work, will be Moreover, white paper, made from rice or green ebony, was people living by the Xiang River in Changsha Kiln 3.1. Tang Poetry and the Elite Class delicately designed and usually decorated with beautiful another common medium for poetic composition, while ceramic region began to make pottery, led by Shun, who Poetry, as a literary form, reached its peak in Tang patterns or paintings[5]. Changsha Kiln ceramics are no thin silk was a more valuable material mainly used by the was later worshiped as the Kiln God by the locals[2]. Dynasty. Actually, poems were usually lyrics for singing; exception. Changsha Kiln is renowned for its under-glazed noble. The contents on thin silk were usually a combination And archeological evidence shows that the pottery poems, singing and dancing were often combined together. polychrome painting and its innovative use of poems and of poem and painting. There were other unusual media for history of this area would be no later than Sui Dynasty. Celebrated poets then were most respected by all classes proverbs as ceramic decorations. poetic composition as well, such as botanic leaves, folding Changsha Kiln reached its peak in the late Tang Dynasty like today’s popular celebrities. Since its origin, Tang The poems and proverbs on Changsha Kiln products fans, stones and traditional screens.

2 B U L L E T I N O F JSSD Vol. 60 No. 2 2013 THE SCIENCE OF DESIGN 1.2. Research Methods (618A.D.-907A.D.), and gradually declined in the Five Poetry has been closely associated with the upper class, have drawn enormous academic attention since they were A literature review has been conducted in this paper. The Dynasties (907A.D.-960A.D.). One of the most important or elite class including governmental officials, aristocrats, discovered. Substantial academic achievements have articles, books as well as other sources pertaining to the achievements of Changsha Kiln was its invention of under- the intelligentsia and the wealthy, though almost anyone, been made during this process. However, current relevant research topic, fall into two categories. The first sources glazed polychrome painting technology. It also pioneered regardless of his/her social class was capable of writing researchers mainly focus on interpreting the meanings of are those in-depth researches about the poems and proverbs to inscribe poems, proverbs and advertising slogans on poems. At that time, an examination called the Imperial these inscriptions and appreciating them from a calligraphic on Changsha Kiln products. For instance, The Abandoned its products for decoration. Changsha Kiln overthrew the Examination was designed to select the best administrative perspective. Admittedly, such researches have recognized Child of Tang Poetry (2000), by Xiao Xiang, expounds in predominance of white porcelain kiln groups in northern officials for the state's bureaucracy. To succeed the the aesthetic values of the poems and proverbs on Changsha great detail the connotations and meanings of the poems on China and celadon kiln groups in the south as shown in examination, scholars were required to master the skills Kiln products, yet have unfortunately failed to realize the Changsha Kiln products. Changsha Kiln (2004, 3 volumes), Figure 1. Meanwhile, Changsha kiln managed to expand its of writing poems, which had sophisticated styles and social values of Changsha Kiln ceramics as a folk craft. by Li Binghui, is the most noted book till now with a business into over 20 overseas markets, mainly the ancient profound contents pertaining to major social and ethical Those values are something beyond the two practical comprehensive collection of Changsha Kiln ceramic photos Middle East, and became the largest porcelain exporter at issues. This system exerted a huge influence on both society functions mentioned above. i.e. the ceramic carriers of those (some 80 photos) and simple introductions of Changsha that time with its elaborately designed products catering for and culture in Imperial China and directly gave birth to poems and proverbs are not only daily items widely used Kiln. Secondly, the authors refer to many sources that are various foreign tastes[3]. a class of scholar-bureaucrats irrespective of their family by ordinary people in their everyday life, but also, more not so closely related to Changsha Kiln ceramic poetry, yet White porcelain kilns in pedigree. Perhaps nowhere else in the world has lyric importantly, serve as a medium to express ordinary people’s might help the authors recognize Changsha Kiln ceramic northern China poetry ever occupied such a significant position. Besides the thoughts and feelings as a folk craft. poetry from a broader mind. For instance, a book called intelligentsia, other upper class members were also educated 3.3. The Reasons for the Combination of Poetry and A full Collection of Tang Poetry (edited by Cao Yan and to write sophisticated poems as poetic composition was Ceramics Peng Dingqiu, Qing dynasty), is the most comprehensive an integral part of individual talents. And, beginning with source related to Tang Poetry. Furthermore, some sources the founder of the dynasty down to the last ruler, almost Changsha pertaining to other ceramics around the world, both the folk every one of the emperors was a great lover and patron of and elite ceramics, are referred to for a parallel comparison, poetry, and many were poets themselves. Therefore, Tang such as A History of Chinese Ceramics (2009), published by Celadon porcelain Poetry has developed close ties with the elite class since its kilns in Cultural Relic Press, China, and The Potter’s Eye: Art and Changsha Kiln ceramics beginning. Almost all the Tang poems had been considered with poetic inscriptions southern China Tradition in North Carolina Pottery, coauthored by Mark Figure 1. The Position of Changsha Kiln to be the products of the literati or scholar-bureaucrats Hewitt and Nancy Sweezy. The authors also dabble into Therefore, in spite of its short history, Changsha Kiln prior to the discovery of Changsha Kiln poems, which were Figure 2. Various Poetic Media some books concerning folk crafts such as a book called In has contributed enormously to the ceramic development mainly composed by anonymous common people. In Tang Dynasty, poems were usually inscribed on walls, Pursuit of Composite Beauty-Yanagi Soetsu, His Aesthetics of China. Yet, surprisingly, Changsha Kiln porcelain had 3.2. The Functions of Ceramic Products paper, thin silk and other uncommon media, such as botanic and Aspiration for Peace (2011), written by Nakami Mari, not been included in any historical record and remained Like other ceramics, Changsha Kiln ceramic products are leaves, folding fans, stones and traditional Chinese screens which deeply analyzes Japanese Mingei Movement (Folk unknown to the world until the 1950s when its ancient relic created to meet varied daily demands of human being and as shown in Figure 2. Interestingly, varied architectural Art Movement, initiated by Yanagi Soetsu). Moreover, the was discovered and large numbers of its products were their functions are closely linked with varying human daily walls, such as post houses, hotels and temples, served as a authors try to get fully immersed in the social background excavated successively in many countries around the world. activities, such as drinking (wine or tea kettles and cups, primary medium for poetic composition in Tang Dynasty. of Tang Dynasty through reading such books as A Cultural Especially, a ninth-century Arab shipwreck in Indonesia was bottles for drawing water from well), eating (bowls, plates), Red or white walls, often carefully decorated, were perfect History of Tang Dynasty (2003, Fudan University Press), by discovered in 1998, on which there were thousands of well- preserving and processing food (rice or oil jars, ceramic places for poets to write poems. Poets expressed their Xu Lianda. preserved Changsha Kiln ceramic products[4]. Changsha stoves, grinders) and other daily practices (ceramic pillows, thoughts and communicated with other poets through Moreover, the KJ-Method is employed to interpret the Kiln has gradually become a hot subject of academic lights, writing brush stands, dressing cases, incense burners, inscribing poems on walls. For instance, post house was a ceramic poems and proverbs and analyze the thoughts and research. After decades of academic studies, the values cuspidors). Moreover, Changsha Kiln products are used for type of hotel in ancient China for accommodating official feelings of ordinary people embodied in them. of Changsha Kiln ceramics have been fully recognized. other non-daily purposes as well, such as their utilities in messengers, governmental officials, especially exiled Reviewing the ceramic history of China, it can be found funeral rituals. Besides all their daily functions, Changsha officials, on a trip. When an exiled official (usually also a 2. Changsha Kiln Introduction that Changsha Kiln was the first and only ceramic kiln to products are also employed as pure decoration items, such poet) saw a sad poem on the wall of a post house written Changsha Kiln, located in Tongguan County, Changsha, inscribe poems and proverbs onto ceramic products. as flower vases, ceramic figurines. Generally speaking, by another exiled official before, he would write a poem China, was a famous ceramic kiln in Tang Dynasty. whether a ceramic product is produced for practical use to express his thoughts as a reply to the poem he saw. According to historical records, from the primitive age, 3. Poetic Culture and Changsha Kiln Ceramics or decoration, the ceramic product, as an art work, will be Moreover, white paper, made from rice or green ebony, was people living by the Xiang River in Changsha Kiln 3.1. Tang Poetry and the Elite Class delicately designed and usually decorated with beautiful another common medium for poetic composition, while ceramic region began to make pottery, led by Shun, who Poetry, as a literary form, reached its peak in Tang patterns or paintings[5]. Changsha Kiln ceramics are no thin silk was a more valuable material mainly used by the was later worshiped as the Kiln God by the locals[2]. Dynasty. Actually, poems were usually lyrics for singing; exception. Changsha Kiln is renowned for its under-glazed noble. The contents on thin silk were usually a combination And archeological evidence shows that the pottery poems, singing and dancing were often combined together. polychrome painting and its innovative use of poems and of poem and painting. There were other unusual media for history of this area would be no later than Sui Dynasty. Celebrated poets then were most respected by all classes proverbs as ceramic decorations. poetic composition as well, such as botanic leaves, folding Changsha Kiln reached its peak in the late Tang Dynasty like today’s popular celebrities. Since its origin, Tang The poems and proverbs on Changsha Kiln products fans, stones and traditional screens.

THE SCIENCE OF DESIGN B U L L E T I N O F JSSD Vol. 60 No. 2 2013 3 Yet, how did Changsha Kiln ceramics become a medium with five characters each line as shown in Figure 4. Short 6 shows that the same poem on two products includes two 5.1.1. Missing Families and Hometown for poetic composition? There are four reasons why poetry paired proverbs are even further separated on different non-normative characters, using the character feng ( 丰 ) At that time, many ordinary people had to leave their was integrated with Changsha Kiln ceramic products at products. Paired proverbs usually share similar connotations in replacement of the correct feng ( 风 )，the character hometown to earn a living and thus missing family and that specific time and space. The first reason is that almost but have different contents. Obviously, the poems and bi( 备 ) as the substitution for the standard bi( 避 ),though hometown was a common poetic topic. The poems shown in everyone was capable of writing poems, certainly including proverbs on Changsha Kiln products are generally short and their pronunciations were identical in Tang Dynasty. Figure 8, 9 and 10 depict respectively: a woman missing her the craftsmen in Changsha Kiln region. Meanwhile, not simple. Unlike those elite poems with sophisticated writing husband by saying: “I have been missing you so much/ Yet every scholar could succeed in the Imperial Examination. style and contents, the ceramic poems on Changsha Kiln nobody can understand my agony/ I ask the wind to blow Those who failed the examination had to sustain their products were composed in a very plain style mainly using away the black clouds which cover the bright moon/ So I livelihoods, thus many of them became engaged in the oral language. Folk poetry was inevitably influenced by can talk to the bright moon directly, sharing my sorrows”; a 4 lines with 5 ceramic field. The second reason has something to do characters elite poetry, and some ceramic poems were influenced by woman urging her husband to come back home in spite of each line with the drastic competition between ceramic kilns at that the works of renowned poets. However, they were totally the high travelling cost owing to the long distance; a strong Figure 3. The Forms of Figure 4. The Simple Form time. Unlike the white porcelain kiln groups in the north Tang Poems of the Ceramic Poems different in the choice of words and writing style. For family bonding with hyperbole, saying that “A messenger and celadon porcelain groups in the south, Changsha Kiln There are three reasons responsible for the simplicity of instance, one poem written by an anonymous ordinary bird flies onto a boat/ Asking the boat owner to send a mainly targeted at the mass market (low-end market) the ceramic poems. Firstly, the ceramic poems were mainly individual and the other poem written by Bai Juyi, a noted family letter, which is so heavy (the feelings embodied in because of its relatively low-quality clay. In order to written by anonymous common people, who had limited poet in Tang Dynasty, portrayed the same scenario that a the letter are ‘heavy’) that the bird cannot carry/ The bird survive the drastic competition, Changsha Kiln had to ability to compose long poems with sophisticated form host tried to invite his friend to drink wine together, yet the confirms repeatedly if the boat is strong enough to carry create innovative products. Under this circumstance, poetry and rhymes. The second reason has something to do with choice of words of the former was much plainer and easier such a heavy letter”. Other poems classified in this category and Changsha Kiln ceramics were combined together. the characteristic of ceramics as a medium for composing than the latter for ordinary people to understand. depict as follows: “I have been away from hometown for so Thirdly, Changsha Kiln tried to attract ordinary customers poems. Changsha Kiln products were mainly daily items long/ Too often I suffer from the misery of missing family/ by inscribing poems with contents that could resonate with with relatively small sizes, such as wine pots, tea kettles 5. Ordinary People’s Thoughts and Feelings Embodied So many tall trees I have seen during my journey/ I intend to them. Therefore, those poems that were easy to understand and bowls. Thus, there was limited space on product in the Ceramic Poems and Proverbs use these trees to construct a high tower on which I can see for common people and reflected their minds and daily surface for poetic composition. Lastly, Changsha Kiln There have been some 125 inscriptions, including poems, my hometown easily”; a homesick emotion by saying “Year life became a good choice. Last but not least, common was mainly targeted at mass market and short poems were proverbs, advertising slogans, family names, product prices, by year, I have to earn a living in places far away from people also had the necessity to express their thoughts and relatively easier for common people to understand. Thus, emperor’s reign titles and regnal years, discovered on my hometown/ Just like a guest living under somebody share their life philosophies. Yet, unlike the elite class, the simplicity and shortness of the ceramic poetry were Changsha Kiln products till now. This paper focuses only else’s roof/For such a long time have I been away from my ordinary people were unlikely to write or read a poem on determined by its characteristics as a folk art. on the poems and proverbs. There are some 90 ceramic hometown/ Every time I see plum trees in other places/ I am paper or other media as these media were dispensable in 4.2. The Irregularities of the Ceramic Poems poems and 25 proverbs all together[6]. Considering the always missing the plum flowers in my home backyard”; “I their everyday life. In contrast, ceramic products were As a folk art, the ceramic poems have many irregular similarity of certain poems and proverbs, this paper narrows have already finished my family letter for two months/ But indispensable life necessities with which common people uses of Chinese Characters and the same poem can be down the research scope, mainly targeted at 70 poems nobody can send the letter for me/Then I ask Hongyan (one were more familiar. Thus, they were more likely to use frequently found in different versions on varied products. and 10 proverbs. All the targeted poems and proverbs are type of bird which could be used to send letters in ancient ceramic products instead of other media to express their As is shown in Figure 5, the first two lines of these two interpreted from the authors' perspective. As is shown in China) to send my letter/ Yet the bird cannot fly/ In such a thoughts through poetic composition. The four reasons poems on different kettles are identical, yet their last two Figure 7, poems and proverbs are categorized into four brutally cold, snowy weather”. mentioned above lead to the combination of poetry and lines differ greatly. major groups and 13 subgroups using KJ method[7]. Changsha Kiln ceramics at the given time and space.

Valuing Pursuit of Interpersonal a Simple 4. Characteristics of the Ceramic Poetry as a Folk Art Relationships Happy Living As a folk art, the ceramic poetry of Changsha Kiln Individual products possesses the following characteristics compared Community to other Tang Poetry which was mainly elite art. 4.1.The Simple Form of the Ceramic Poetry Figure 8. Figure 9. Figure 10. Figure 5. Different Versions Nature Figure 6. Irregular Use Pursuing After long years of gradual development, Tang Poetry for the Same Poem of Chinese Characters Loving Good 5.1.2. Valuing Intimate Friendship Nature Moral has developed a strict formula with rhymed and parallel As was mentioned earlier, Changsha Kiln ceramic poems Standards Morals Ordinary people at that time put much value on a deep structure. As is shown in Figure 3, not only must the were mainly written by anonymous common people and Figure 7. Categorization of Poems and Proverbs and lasting friendship. The poems shown in Figure 11, 12 length of a line be limited to a certain number of Chinese spread widely among the general public in the form of song 5.1. Valuing Interpersonal Relationships and 13 portray respectively: “Being a guest in your home characters, usually five or seven, but also the length of a lyrics. Oral dissemination was not as accurate as written A large majority of the ceramic poems and proverbs on for many days/ I have bothered you a lot/ You have treated poem was limited to a certain number of lines, usually four record, thus even the same folk poem could take on different Changsha Kiln products portray close human relationships, me so well/Nothing I can do (having no gold) to repay or eight. Interestingly, an overwhelming majority of the forms. Moreover, many ceramic poems contain non- including close family ties, friendship, neighboring you/ Only to write this poem on the kettle to show my poems on Changsha Kiln products merely have four lines standard-sometimes even wrong-Chinese characters. Figure relationship and romantic relationship. gratitude”; no need for someone to express gratitude to a

4 B U L L E T I N O F JSSD Vol. 60 No. 2 2013 THE SCIENCE OF DESIGN Yet, how did Changsha Kiln ceramics become a medium with five characters each line as shown in Figure 4. Short 6 shows that the same poem on two products includes two 5.1.1. Missing Families and Hometown for poetic composition? There are four reasons why poetry paired proverbs are even further separated on different non-normative characters, using the character feng ( 丰 ) At that time, many ordinary people had to leave their was integrated with Changsha Kiln ceramic products at products. Paired proverbs usually share similar connotations in replacement of the correct feng ( 风 )，the character hometown to earn a living and thus missing family and that specific time and space. The first reason is that almost but have different contents. Obviously, the poems and bi( 备 ) as the substitution for the standard bi( 避 ),though hometown was a common poetic topic. The poems shown in everyone was capable of writing poems, certainly including proverbs on Changsha Kiln products are generally short and their pronunciations were identical in Tang Dynasty. Figure 8, 9 and 10 depict respectively: a woman missing her the craftsmen in Changsha Kiln region. Meanwhile, not simple. Unlike those elite poems with sophisticated writing husband by saying: “I have been missing you so much/ Yet every scholar could succeed in the Imperial Examination. style and contents, the ceramic poems on Changsha Kiln nobody can understand my agony/ I ask the wind to blow Those who failed the examination had to sustain their products were composed in a very plain style mainly using away the black clouds which cover the bright moon/ So I livelihoods, thus many of them became engaged in the oral language. Folk poetry was inevitably influenced by can talk to the bright moon directly, sharing my sorrows”; a 4 lines with 5 ceramic field. The second reason has something to do characters elite poetry, and some ceramic poems were influenced by woman urging her husband to come back home in spite of each line with the drastic competition between ceramic kilns at that the works of renowned poets. However, they were totally the high travelling cost owing to the long distance; a strong Figure 3. The Forms of Figure 4. The Simple Form time. Unlike the white porcelain kiln groups in the north Tang Poems of the Ceramic Poems different in the choice of words and writing style. For family bonding with hyperbole, saying that “A messenger and celadon porcelain groups in the south, Changsha Kiln There are three reasons responsible for the simplicity of instance, one poem written by an anonymous ordinary bird flies onto a boat/ Asking the boat owner to send a mainly targeted at the mass market (low-end market) the ceramic poems. Firstly, the ceramic poems were mainly individual and the other poem written by Bai Juyi, a noted family letter, which is so heavy (the feelings embodied in because of its relatively low-quality clay. In order to written by anonymous common people, who had limited poet in Tang Dynasty, portrayed the same scenario that a the letter are ‘heavy’) that the bird cannot carry/ The bird survive the drastic competition, Changsha Kiln had to ability to compose long poems with sophisticated form host tried to invite his friend to drink wine together, yet the confirms repeatedly if the boat is strong enough to carry create innovative products. Under this circumstance, poetry and rhymes. The second reason has something to do with choice of words of the former was much plainer and easier such a heavy letter”. Other poems classified in this category and Changsha Kiln ceramics were combined together. the characteristic of ceramics as a medium for composing than the latter for ordinary people to understand. depict as follows: “I have been away from hometown for so Thirdly, Changsha Kiln tried to attract ordinary customers poems. Changsha Kiln products were mainly daily items long/ Too often I suffer from the misery of missing family/ by inscribing poems with contents that could resonate with with relatively small sizes, such as wine pots, tea kettles 5. Ordinary People’s Thoughts and Feelings Embodied So many tall trees I have seen during my journey/ I intend to them. Therefore, those poems that were easy to understand and bowls. Thus, there was limited space on product in the Ceramic Poems and Proverbs use these trees to construct a high tower on which I can see for common people and reflected their minds and daily surface for poetic composition. Lastly, Changsha Kiln There have been some 125 inscriptions, including poems, my hometown easily”; a homesick emotion by saying “Year life became a good choice. Last but not least, common was mainly targeted at mass market and short poems were proverbs, advertising slogans, family names, product prices, by year, I have to earn a living in places far away from people also had the necessity to express their thoughts and relatively easier for common people to understand. Thus, emperor’s reign titles and regnal years, discovered on my hometown/ Just like a guest living under somebody share their life philosophies. Yet, unlike the elite class, the simplicity and shortness of the ceramic poetry were Changsha Kiln products till now. This paper focuses only else’s roof/For such a long time have I been away from my ordinary people were unlikely to write or read a poem on determined by its characteristics as a folk art. on the poems and proverbs. There are some 90 ceramic hometown/ Every time I see plum trees in other places/ I am paper or other media as these media were dispensable in 4.2. The Irregularities of the Ceramic Poems poems and 25 proverbs all together[6]. Considering the always missing the plum flowers in my home backyard”; “I their everyday life. In contrast, ceramic products were As a folk art, the ceramic poems have many irregular similarity of certain poems and proverbs, this paper narrows have already finished my family letter for two months/ But indispensable life necessities with which common people uses of Chinese Characters and the same poem can be down the research scope, mainly targeted at 70 poems nobody can send the letter for me/Then I ask Hongyan (one were more familiar. Thus, they were more likely to use frequently found in different versions on varied products. and 10 proverbs. All the targeted poems and proverbs are type of bird which could be used to send letters in ancient ceramic products instead of other media to express their As is shown in Figure 5, the first two lines of these two interpreted from the authors' perspective. As is shown in China) to send my letter/ Yet the bird cannot fly/ In such a thoughts through poetic composition. The four reasons poems on different kettles are identical, yet their last two Figure 7, poems and proverbs are categorized into four brutally cold, snowy weather”. mentioned above lead to the combination of poetry and lines differ greatly. major groups and 13 subgroups using KJ method[7]. Changsha Kiln ceramics at the given time and space.

THE SCIENCE OF DESIGN B U L L E T I N O F JSSD Vol. 60 No. 2 2013 5 friend who has hospitably treated him when parting; a scene lipstick repeatedly in order to perfect her appearance, who flying to the north/ Today is a holiday/ Thus students are in daily life, saying: “When you visit someone, please do of separation between friends unwilling to part, saying was dressed up very carefully and waiting for her beloved let go back home early/ So that they can enjoy the beautiful not go into his house directly/ Doing so will irritate the “People went south ten thousand miles away/ Wild geese one anxiously-this poem is inscribed on a ceramic pillow; spring”; “One plum tree has two branches/ These two host/ After you knock the door three to five times/ The host flew north in the late autumn/ My dear friends, it is so hard two lovers have spent a happy night together-this poem is branches blossom at different time every year/ The southern will naturally come out to welcome you”; the importance to leave and separate from you/ I do not know when we will also inscribed on a pillow. Besides, another poem indicates branch blossomed in full bloom yesterday night/ Yet there of learning, saying: “A white jade is no treasure/Mountains meet again after this separation”. Besides, another poem that only those marriages which are based on true love are still no flower buds on the northern branch today yet”- of gold are not indispensable/All we ought to do is to read says, “After you leave, please write letters to me regularly/ will last long. This notion is of vital significance especially this poem indicates that the great nature has its own rules as much as possible /And keep learning by heart”; that Without hearing from you, I would be worried/ Please do during China’s feudal period when blind date was prevalent which are unpredictable and we should follow natural rules we should achieve success through self-struggle without not keep away from me after you leave/Just like a water- and individual marriage was primarily determined by and show our reverence for the nature; a horse drinking complaining external environmental factors using a willow drawn kettle dropping into a well”. parents. In sum, almost all the love poems inscribed on water by a stream, saying: “A brown horse is drinking water tree as a metaphor, saying: “A willow tree in the east yard Changsha Kiln products convey a feeling that although by a green stream/ Its mouth inhales and exhales repeatedly/ has been grown for so many years/Yet it still has no lush they were at the bottom of social classes and not materially Its hoofs and mouth meet tightly with their inverted foliages/Willow, you should not blame the sun/ For not wealthy, ordinary people were persistently pursuing true reflections in water”. sufficiently shining on you”; a notion that “thrift leads to love in spite of all the difficulties. richness while profusion results in poverty”; that we should “say words without hurting others” and “do things without incurring other’s resentment,” these are paired proverbs Figure 11. Figure 12. Figure 13. inscribed on two products; that we should take precautions 5.1.3. Enjoying Harmonious Neighboring Relationship against potential risks in life, saying: “If you do not repair Reading between the lines of the ceramic poems, we can a leaking house roof, the rain will further ruin the house sense that ordinary people then developed a harmonious pillar”. Other poems or proverbs classified in this group neighboring relationship with each other. The poems Figure 19. Figure 20. Figure 21. admonish respectively: that we should be filial to our shown in Figure 14 and 15 depict respectively: “Half of the Figure 16. Figure 17. Figure 18. 5.3. Ordinary People Pursuing Good Morals parents using animals (crow and sheep) as a metaphor-these branches of a plum tree grown by someone/Reach within 5.2. Ordinary People Loving Nature Though living at the bottom of social classes, common are also paired proverbs inscribed on two ceramic products; the yard of his neighbors/Yet the neighbor does not really A considerable portion of the ceramic poems inscribed on people have established their own entrenched set of moral that we should resist temptations, using animals (fish and mind it/For he thinks his yard is spacious enough to spare Changsha Kiln products convey ordinary people’s love and standards and formed a plain view of morality and human bird) as a metaphor: “the caught hungry fish regrets that it some space for the plum branch”; “In the north of the house, reverence for Nature. The poems shown in Figure 19, 20 nature. On Changsha Kiln products, there are many has not resisted the temptation of the bait” and “the trapped there is a stream flowing eastwards/In the south a good and 21 represent respectively: beautiful sceneries in spring ceramic poems and proverbs that advocate good morals, bird regrets that it has not resisted the temptation of the food area of mountains and forests/The new house is located in by saying: “A spring pond is filled with fresh spring water/ or provide common people with cautionary advice about inside the snare”. In Tang Dynasty, Buddhism was prevalent such a good place/Which is a good sign that you will earn Spring grass is flourishing during this spring time/ People something imminent (especially imminent danger or other among ordinary people and there were a few poems and lots of money (gold) every day”-this poem was inscribed are drinking spring wine in this spring season/ Spring birds unpleasantness owing to one’s immorality). proverbs preaching a strong belief in Buddhism. One poem on a ceramic kettle and bowl and composed by someone to are chirping spring songs”; a typical scene of Chinese Tomb preaches doctrines of Buddhism that we should do good celebrate the house moving of his neighbor. Sweeping Festival in a beautiful burgeoning spring with the to others and can reach the nirvana level of Buddhism by rebirth of everything, saying “Fire and smoke are forbidden learning and acting according to the doctrines piously. on the Tomb Sweeping Day (or the Cold Food Day) so that 5.4. Ordinary People Holding Optimistic Life Attitudes there is no smoke on that day / Yet spring pine trees are Compared to the upper class, ordinary people are more surrounded by smoke-like mist / Birds are singing on the likely to be plagued by life sufferings and hardships. There Figure 22. Figure 23. Figure 24. willow trees with new sprouts / People are kneeling down are a few poems depicting life difficulties of ordinary before the tombs of their ancestors to cherish the memory people, yet a higher percentage of the poems demonstrate of the deceased”-in this poem, people show no sentimental their positive, optimistic life attitudes to accept inevitable Figure 14. Figure 15. sadness but an optimistic attitude toward nature and life realities, enjoy the present simple life and persistently 5.1.4. Eulogizing True Love before the tombs of the deceased; “Sea birds fly about far pursue a promising future through individual struggle. Many a ceramic poem sings the praises of true love and near/ People play joyfully in water from west to east/ 5.4.1. Ordinary People Undergoing Life Hardships between ordinary people during that period. The poems White clouds roam around leisurely in the sky/ The bright Ordinary people are more susceptible to life sufferings shown in Figure 16, 17 and 18 depict respectively: a moon shines on both the upstream and downstream of a and hardships; thus ceramic products are often employed as touching love story that two lovers cannot come together river”-this poem is inscribed on a small ceramic plate. Figure 25. Figure 26. Figure 27. a medium to express their life miseries. The poems shown due to their age disparity by saying: “When you were born/ Other poems classified in this group depict as follows: that The poems or proverbs shown in Figure 22, 23, 24, 25, in Figure 28, 29 and 30 depict respectively: “I am lingering I did not come to this world yet/You regret about my late we should enjoy the beautiful nature and life, saying “The 26 and 27 advocate respectively: the necessity of paying around by the river bank/Praying for the well-being of my birth/ While I pity your early nativity”; a young lady drew bamboo woods are flourishing/ Lines of swan geese are attention to public manners and being considerate to others family/But nothing has happened, we are still desperately

6 B U L L E T I N O F JSSD Vol. 60 No. 2 2013 THE SCIENCE OF DESIGN friend who has hospitably treated him when parting; a scene lipstick repeatedly in order to perfect her appearance, who flying to the north/ Today is a holiday/ Thus students are in daily life, saying: “When you visit someone, please do of separation between friends unwilling to part, saying was dressed up very carefully and waiting for her beloved let go back home early/ So that they can enjoy the beautiful not go into his house directly/ Doing so will irritate the “People went south ten thousand miles away/ Wild geese one anxiously-this poem is inscribed on a ceramic pillow; spring”; “One plum tree has two branches/ These two host/ After you knock the door three to five times/ The host flew north in the late autumn/ My dear friends, it is so hard two lovers have spent a happy night together-this poem is branches blossom at different time every year/ The southern will naturally come out to welcome you”; the importance to leave and separate from you/ I do not know when we will also inscribed on a pillow. Besides, another poem indicates branch blossomed in full bloom yesterday night/ Yet there of learning, saying: “A white jade is no treasure/Mountains meet again after this separation”. Besides, another poem that only those marriages which are based on true love are still no flower buds on the northern branch today yet”- of gold are not indispensable/All we ought to do is to read says, “After you leave, please write letters to me regularly/ will last long. This notion is of vital significance especially this poem indicates that the great nature has its own rules as much as possible /And keep learning by heart”; that Without hearing from you, I would be worried/ Please do during China’s feudal period when blind date was prevalent which are unpredictable and we should follow natural rules we should achieve success through self-struggle without not keep away from me after you leave/Just like a water- and individual marriage was primarily determined by and show our reverence for the nature; a horse drinking complaining external environmental factors using a willow drawn kettle dropping into a well”. parents. In sum, almost all the love poems inscribed on water by a stream, saying: “A brown horse is drinking water tree as a metaphor, saying: “A willow tree in the east yard Changsha Kiln products convey a feeling that although by a green stream/ Its mouth inhales and exhales repeatedly/ has been grown for so many years/Yet it still has no lush they were at the bottom of social classes and not materially Its hoofs and mouth meet tightly with their inverted foliages/Willow, you should not blame the sun/ For not wealthy, ordinary people were persistently pursuing true reflections in water”. sufficiently shining on you”; a notion that “thrift leads to love in spite of all the difficulties. richness while profusion results in poverty”; that we should “say words without hurting others” and “do things without incurring other’s resentment,” these are paired proverbs Figure 11. Figure 12. Figure 13. inscribed on two products; that we should take precautions 5.1.3. Enjoying Harmonious Neighboring Relationship against potential risks in life, saying: “If you do not repair Reading between the lines of the ceramic poems, we can a leaking house roof, the rain will further ruin the house sense that ordinary people then developed a harmonious pillar”. Other poems or proverbs classified in this group neighboring relationship with each other. The poems Figure 19. Figure 20. Figure 21. admonish respectively: that we should be filial to our shown in Figure 14 and 15 depict respectively: “Half of the Figure 16. Figure 17. Figure 18. 5.3. Ordinary People Pursuing Good Morals parents using animals (crow and sheep) as a metaphor-these branches of a plum tree grown by someone/Reach within 5.2. Ordinary People Loving Nature Though living at the bottom of social classes, common are also paired proverbs inscribed on two ceramic products; the yard of his neighbors/Yet the neighbor does not really A considerable portion of the ceramic poems inscribed on people have established their own entrenched set of moral that we should resist temptations, using animals (fish and mind it/For he thinks his yard is spacious enough to spare Changsha Kiln products convey ordinary people’s love and standards and formed a plain view of morality and human bird) as a metaphor: “the caught hungry fish regrets that it some space for the plum branch”; “In the north of the house, reverence for Nature. The poems shown in Figure 19, 20 nature. On Changsha Kiln products, there are many has not resisted the temptation of the bait” and “the trapped there is a stream flowing eastwards/In the south a good and 21 represent respectively: beautiful sceneries in spring ceramic poems and proverbs that advocate good morals, bird regrets that it has not resisted the temptation of the food area of mountains and forests/The new house is located in by saying: “A spring pond is filled with fresh spring water/ or provide common people with cautionary advice about inside the snare”. In Tang Dynasty, Buddhism was prevalent such a good place/Which is a good sign that you will earn Spring grass is flourishing during this spring time/ People something imminent (especially imminent danger or other among ordinary people and there were a few poems and lots of money (gold) every day”-this poem was inscribed are drinking spring wine in this spring season/ Spring birds unpleasantness owing to one’s immorality). proverbs preaching a strong belief in Buddhism. One poem on a ceramic kettle and bowl and composed by someone to are chirping spring songs”; a typical scene of Chinese Tomb preaches doctrines of Buddhism that we should do good celebrate the house moving of his neighbor. Sweeping Festival in a beautiful burgeoning spring with the to others and can reach the nirvana level of Buddhism by rebirth of everything, saying “Fire and smoke are forbidden learning and acting according to the doctrines piously. on the Tomb Sweeping Day (or the Cold Food Day) so that 5.4. Ordinary People Holding Optimistic Life Attitudes there is no smoke on that day / Yet spring pine trees are Compared to the upper class, ordinary people are more surrounded by smoke-like mist / Birds are singing on the likely to be plagued by life sufferings and hardships. There Figure 22. Figure 23. Figure 24. willow trees with new sprouts / People are kneeling down are a few poems depicting life difficulties of ordinary before the tombs of their ancestors to cherish the memory people, yet a higher percentage of the poems demonstrate of the deceased”-in this poem, people show no sentimental their positive, optimistic life attitudes to accept inevitable Figure 14. Figure 15. sadness but an optimistic attitude toward nature and life realities, enjoy the present simple life and persistently 5.1.4. Eulogizing True Love before the tombs of the deceased; “Sea birds fly about far pursue a promising future through individual struggle. Many a ceramic poem sings the praises of true love and near/ People play joyfully in water from west to east/ 5.4.1. Ordinary People Undergoing Life Hardships between ordinary people during that period. The poems White clouds roam around leisurely in the sky/ The bright Ordinary people are more susceptible to life sufferings shown in Figure 16, 17 and 18 depict respectively: a moon shines on both the upstream and downstream of a and hardships; thus ceramic products are often employed as touching love story that two lovers cannot come together river”-this poem is inscribed on a small ceramic plate. Figure 25. Figure 26. Figure 27. a medium to express their life miseries. The poems shown due to their age disparity by saying: “When you were born/ Other poems classified in this group depict as follows: that The poems or proverbs shown in Figure 22, 23, 24, 25, in Figure 28, 29 and 30 depict respectively: “I am lingering I did not come to this world yet/You regret about my late we should enjoy the beautiful nature and life, saying “The 26 and 27 advocate respectively: the necessity of paying around by the river bank/Praying for the well-being of my birth/ While I pity your early nativity”; a young lady drew bamboo woods are flourishing/ Lines of swan geese are attention to public manners and being considerate to others family/But nothing has happened, we are still desperately

THE SCIENCE OF DESIGN B U L L E T I N O F JSSD Vol. 60 No. 2 2013 7 poor/The weather turns cold and the yellow leaves are about a tortuous rugged road (in order to succeed)”. Besides, labor, instead of an emotion of boredom and complaint For the Imperial Examination is very fair and square/Yet to fall/Yet who can give us some thick clothes to prevent another proverb advocates that there is no perfect life for owing to the toilsome labor. Poems shown in Figure 40, if a family has no student/there is no hope that the family the coming brutal coldness”; the hardships of those ordinary human being by saying “Even the formidable sun cannot 41 and 42 describe respectively: a typical life scenario in will be prosperous with one of its member becoming a people who were forced to join the army during wartime, shine over the shadow of a basin”. Southern China that a girl was picking lotus seeds, fearing government official through the Imperial Examination”. saying: “We have to fight three times a day during this war/ 5.4.3. Ordinary People Seizing the Day to Enjoy Life the dangerous deep water yet enjoying the pleasure of Other poems categorized in this group depict as follows: But receive no rewards/ The general sits comfortably on The life philosophy of Carpe Diem (seizing the day to the labor-this poem is inscribed on the inner surface of a a notion that in order to achieve success a man should the horse back/ While we soldiers sleep in the brutally cold enjoy life) of common people in Tang Dynasty is embodied ceramic bowl; an interesting buying and selling scenario have the courage to leave his hometown to earn a living in snow”; an upright man having no one to rely on and his in many of the ceramic poems. by saying “The buyer hesitates to buy/ While the seller other places even very far away; “Suddenly I stand up and fate is totally determined by others, using a weather-beaten are restlessly selling (worrying that the buyer won’t buy)/ shout loudly/ What is the definition of a successful man/ If bamboo (in Chinese culture, bamboo is usually a symbol Thus on the bottle the seller writes a poem/Hoping that informed and erudite/ I will not have to worry my future”. of an upright man with good virtues) rooted in infertile the buyer will like the bottle (and buy it)”; a joyful scene soil as a metaphor. Besides, another poem portrays the of object making, saying: “In this bamboo grove/New social unfairness that a talented man has no opportunity to bamboo sprouts are shooting up/The new sprouts can be used to make ink brush/The ink brush can be used to write a exert his talent, using plum trees which fail to bloom under Figure 34. Figure 35. Figure 36. difficult conditions as a metaphor. beautiful poem.” Other poems classified in this group depict as follows: a scenario of clothes-washing by saying: “A few beautiful girls are hilariously washing clothes on the river bank, laughing and chatting/Some of their red make-ups Figure 43. Figure 44. Figure 45. drop into the water and flow away with water/Their body 5.5. Findings of the Analysis aroma is dispersed far away by wind”; a beautiful scene of The thoughts and feelings embodied in the ceramic Figure 37. Figure 38. Figure 39. fish-catching, saying “Sea birds hover overhead/Mountains poems and proverbs fall into four major and thirteen minor The poems shown in Figure 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39 and cloud merge together in the distance/ Oars break the categorizations. The percentage of each of the four major depict respectively: an interesting life scenario, saying “I inverted reflection of the moon in water/And the boat runs categorizations can be summarized as shown in Figure 46. Figure 28. Figure 29. Figure 30. tried to escape drinking wine/ Yet was forced to drink more/ quickly on the reverted image of sky in the lake.” Holding Positive Life Attitudes 5.4.2. Ordinary People Accepting Life Realities Thus, why not enjoy the wine/ And pray for a bright future”; Pursuing Good Morals In spite of varying life difficulties, ordinary people someone warmly inviting his friends to drink wine together show an optimistic attitude to accept the real life instead of by saying: “It is February with soft spring breeze/We are Loving and Revering Nature complaining all its hardships. sitting around this red-clay furnace/What a nice warm day Valuing Interpersonal today/ Why do not we have a drink together”; “Owing to Relationships the bad harvest last year/ I do not have enough money to Figure 40. Figure 41. Figure 42. Figure 46. Percentage of Each of the Four Groups buy wine/ Yet it does not matter, I still manage to drink a 5.4.5. Ordinary People Pursuing a Bright Future Through a further analysis, it can be found that the four lot/ I pretend to be dead drunk, lying down under a willow through Individual Struggle top-level groups deal with four significant aspects of human tree by a river/As I fear flowers and birds will laugh at me”; Living at the bottom of social hierarchy, ordinary living: community, nature, inner thoughts and individual, “Since I came to this new city/ I have been attracted by its people at that time were eager to change their fate through respectively. There are three significant findings based Figure 31. Figure 32. Figure 33. old wine/ I drink good wine while playing Chinese violin/ I personal struggle. They had life ambitions and aspired to on the analysis of the categorization of the thoughts and The poems shown in figure 31, 32 and 33 depict am drunken under a spring willow tree every day”; a notion achieve self-fulfillment in spite of varied difficulties, which feelings of ordinary people embodied in the ceramic poems respectively: a notion that when encountering life that compared with money, enjoying beautiful sceneries and was reflected in the ceramic poems. The poems shown in and proverbs. frustrations, one should accept the unavoidable reality life is much more meaningful; “I am dead drunk/Cannot Figure 43, 44 and 45 portray respectively: “Standing on the Firstly, strong community cohesion among ordinary and move forward rather than get disheartened, saying “A distinguish east from west/ Yet as long as I drink while mountain top/Looking at the full moon/Feeling the cool people can be sensed during the analysis. The large number broken mirror cannot be repaired/ A falling flower cannot playing the drinkers’ wager game/Sober enough I will be night breeze/I am so excited with such a great ambition/ A of poems depicting close interpersonal relationships be put back to its original branch/ If you come to the end of to compose a good poem (in Tang Dynasty, drinking wine successful man I want to be”; an unremitting yet optimistic indicates that in their daily life, ordinary people were a river and cannot find a way out/ Why not sit down calmly while composing poems is a prevalent social custom)”. man making persistent effort to reach his destination closely related to each other and great importance and appreciate the wandering white clouds”; that we should 5.4.4. Ordinary People Enjoying Their Ordinary Simple despite of all the difficulties during the journey by saying: was attached to cultivating harmonious and intimate not be excessively distressed about death or separation Living “Every day I plan my new journey / Say goodbye to my interpersonal relationships, including family bonding (or and should go straight forward to enjoy future life despite Daily labors are part and parcel of common people’s friends/ Numerous mountains and lakes have I negotiated/ hometown attachment), friendship, neighboring relationship of all the sadness; “During my wandering life/ I have routine life, which are reflected by many ceramic poems. Varying chirping sounds of birds have I heard”; a notion as well as romantic love. endured numerous humiliations and hardships/ On the way Reading between the poetic lines, it is amazed to sense a that anyone, irrespective of his pedigree, can change his Secondly, during the analysis, we cannot find any to success there is no shortcut/ Everyone has to undergo joyful and delighted emotion of common people during fate through learning, saying: “We are living in a good age/ correlation between category 5.2 and 5.3, which means that

8 B U L L E T I N O F JSSD Vol. 60 No. 2 2013 THE SCIENCE OF DESIGN poor/The weather turns cold and the yellow leaves are about a tortuous rugged road (in order to succeed)”. Besides, labor, instead of an emotion of boredom and complaint For the Imperial Examination is very fair and square/Yet to fall/Yet who can give us some thick clothes to prevent another proverb advocates that there is no perfect life for owing to the toilsome labor. Poems shown in Figure 40, if a family has no student/there is no hope that the family the coming brutal coldness”; the hardships of those ordinary human being by saying “Even the formidable sun cannot 41 and 42 describe respectively: a typical life scenario in will be prosperous with one of its member becoming a people who were forced to join the army during wartime, shine over the shadow of a basin”. Southern China that a girl was picking lotus seeds, fearing government official through the Imperial Examination”. saying: “We have to fight three times a day during this war/ 5.4.3. Ordinary People Seizing the Day to Enjoy Life the dangerous deep water yet enjoying the pleasure of Other poems categorized in this group depict as follows: But receive no rewards/ The general sits comfortably on The life philosophy of Carpe Diem (seizing the day to the labor-this poem is inscribed on the inner surface of a a notion that in order to achieve success a man should the horse back/ While we soldiers sleep in the brutally cold enjoy life) of common people in Tang Dynasty is embodied ceramic bowl; an interesting buying and selling scenario have the courage to leave his hometown to earn a living in snow”; an upright man having no one to rely on and his in many of the ceramic poems. by saying “The buyer hesitates to buy/ While the seller other places even very far away; “Suddenly I stand up and fate is totally determined by others, using a weather-beaten are restlessly selling (worrying that the buyer won’t buy)/ shout loudly/ What is the definition of a successful man/ If bamboo (in Chinese culture, bamboo is usually a symbol Thus on the bottle the seller writes a poem/Hoping that informed and erudite/ I will not have to worry my future”. of an upright man with good virtues) rooted in infertile the buyer will like the bottle (and buy it)”; a joyful scene soil as a metaphor. Besides, another poem portrays the of object making, saying: “In this bamboo grove/New social unfairness that a talented man has no opportunity to bamboo sprouts are shooting up/The new sprouts can be used to make ink brush/The ink brush can be used to write a exert his talent, using plum trees which fail to bloom under Figure 34. Figure 35. Figure 36. difficult conditions as a metaphor. beautiful poem.” Other poems classified in this group depict as follows: a scenario of clothes-washing by saying: “A few beautiful girls are hilariously washing clothes on the river bank, laughing and chatting/Some of their red make-ups Figure 43. Figure 44. Figure 45. drop into the water and flow away with water/Their body 5.5. Findings of the Analysis aroma is dispersed far away by wind”; a beautiful scene of The thoughts and feelings embodied in the ceramic Figure 37. Figure 38. Figure 39. fish-catching, saying “Sea birds hover overhead/Mountains poems and proverbs fall into four major and thirteen minor The poems shown in Figure 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39 and cloud merge together in the distance/ Oars break the categorizations. The percentage of each of the four major depict respectively: an interesting life scenario, saying “I inverted reflection of the moon in water/And the boat runs categorizations can be summarized as shown in Figure 46. Figure 28. Figure 29. Figure 30. tried to escape drinking wine/ Yet was forced to drink more/ quickly on the reverted image of sky in the lake.” Holding Positive Life Attitudes 5.4.2. Ordinary People Accepting Life Realities Thus, why not enjoy the wine/ And pray for a bright future”; Pursuing Good Morals In spite of varying life difficulties, ordinary people someone warmly inviting his friends to drink wine together show an optimistic attitude to accept the real life instead of by saying: “It is February with soft spring breeze/We are Loving and Revering Nature complaining all its hardships. sitting around this red-clay furnace/What a nice warm day Valuing Interpersonal today/ Why do not we have a drink together”; “Owing to Relationships the bad harvest last year/ I do not have enough money to Figure 40. Figure 41. Figure 42. Figure 46. Percentage of Each of the Four Groups buy wine/ Yet it does not matter, I still manage to drink a 5.4.5. Ordinary People Pursuing a Bright Future Through a further analysis, it can be found that the four lot/ I pretend to be dead drunk, lying down under a willow through Individual Struggle top-level groups deal with four significant aspects of human tree by a river/As I fear flowers and birds will laugh at me”; Living at the bottom of social hierarchy, ordinary living: community, nature, inner thoughts and individual, “Since I came to this new city/ I have been attracted by its people at that time were eager to change their fate through respectively. There are three significant findings based Figure 31. Figure 32. Figure 33. old wine/ I drink good wine while playing Chinese violin/ I personal struggle. They had life ambitions and aspired to on the analysis of the categorization of the thoughts and The poems shown in figure 31, 32 and 33 depict am drunken under a spring willow tree every day”; a notion achieve self-fulfillment in spite of varied difficulties, which feelings of ordinary people embodied in the ceramic poems respectively: a notion that when encountering life that compared with money, enjoying beautiful sceneries and was reflected in the ceramic poems. The poems shown in and proverbs. frustrations, one should accept the unavoidable reality life is much more meaningful; “I am dead drunk/Cannot Figure 43, 44 and 45 portray respectively: “Standing on the Firstly, strong community cohesion among ordinary and move forward rather than get disheartened, saying “A distinguish east from west/ Yet as long as I drink while mountain top/Looking at the full moon/Feeling the cool people can be sensed during the analysis. The large number broken mirror cannot be repaired/ A falling flower cannot playing the drinkers’ wager game/Sober enough I will be night breeze/I am so excited with such a great ambition/ A of poems depicting close interpersonal relationships be put back to its original branch/ If you come to the end of to compose a good poem (in Tang Dynasty, drinking wine successful man I want to be”; an unremitting yet optimistic indicates that in their daily life, ordinary people were a river and cannot find a way out/ Why not sit down calmly while composing poems is a prevalent social custom)”. man making persistent effort to reach his destination closely related to each other and great importance and appreciate the wandering white clouds”; that we should 5.4.4. Ordinary People Enjoying Their Ordinary Simple despite of all the difficulties during the journey by saying: was attached to cultivating harmonious and intimate not be excessively distressed about death or separation Living “Every day I plan my new journey / Say goodbye to my interpersonal relationships, including family bonding (or and should go straight forward to enjoy future life despite Daily labors are part and parcel of common people’s friends/ Numerous mountains and lakes have I negotiated/ hometown attachment), friendship, neighboring relationship of all the sadness; “During my wandering life/ I have routine life, which are reflected by many ceramic poems. Varying chirping sounds of birds have I heard”; a notion as well as romantic love. endured numerous humiliations and hardships/ On the way Reading between the poetic lines, it is amazed to sense a that anyone, irrespective of his pedigree, can change his Secondly, during the analysis, we cannot find any to success there is no shortcut/ Everyone has to undergo joyful and delighted emotion of common people during fate through learning, saying: “We are living in a good age/ correlation between category 5.2 and 5.3, which means that

THE SCIENCE OF DESIGN B U L L E T I N O F JSSD Vol. 60 No. 2 2013 9 ordinary people were unaware of environmental issues, Soetsu, His Aesthetics and Aspiration for Peace. considered themselves as a part of nature and developed a University of Tokyo Press: Tokyo, 2011; 123-151 symbiotic relationship with natural surroundings. 2. Liu Tiezhu. The Old County of Tongguan, Hunan Thirdly, ordinary people held a positive attitude towards People's Publishing House: Changsha, 2008; 73-105 life in spite of all its hardships and difficulties. Life is 3. Kennet D. Sasanian and Islamic Pottery from Ras al- especially difficult for ordinary people at any time. Yet Khaimah-Classification, Chronology and Analysis of it is touching to find that ordinary people cultivated an Trade in the Western Indian Ocean[M]. Oxford: Oxford optimistic attitude in the face of a strenuous life. They University Press, 2004 accepted the inescapable realities that they could not 4. Michael Flecker. A Ninth-Century AD Arab or Indian change, courageously moved forward to pursue a happy Shipwreck in Indonesia-First Evidence for Direct Trade simple living and persistently try to achieve self-fulfillment. with China.World archaeology,2001; 335-354 5. Shen Wenzhong. The Aesthetic Attributes of Ceramic 6. Conclusion Poetry. Chinese Ceramics, 2007, 43(04): 15-18 Changsha Kiln products with the ceramic poems and 6. Xiao Xiang. The Abandoned Child of Tang Poetry. proverbs were mainly daily items widely used by common China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Publishing people in their everyday life. Besides all their practical Corporation: Beijing, 2000; 157-162 utilities, Changsha Kiln ceramic products, as a folk craft, 7. The KJ method, also referred to as the affinity diagram, also served as a medium for ordinary people to express was devised by Jiro Kawakita, a Japanese cultural their thoughts using ceramic poems and proverbs, which anthropologist, in the 1960s. During the KJ method were mainly written by anonymous ordinary being. This analysis in this paper, the authors try to write on cards phenomenon is especially valuable considering the fact as many thoughts of ordinary people embodied in each that both poetic composition and thought expression were of the ceramic poems and proverbs as possible, all the considered to be the privileges of the elite class in that era. cards are shuffled, spread out and read carefully. Then Therefore, Changsha Kiln poems and proverbs fall under closely related cards are grouped into 13 categories, the definition of folk art and Changsha Kiln ceramics are ignoring any oddities, and for each group an apt title is classified as a folk craft. created. Further, these 13 groups are categorized into 4 Through an in-depth analysis of all the thoughts and life higher-level groups. Last but not least, the correlations philosophies of ordinary people involved in the folk art, it between all these groups are carefully analyzed and can be easily found that in spite of all the life hardships, conclusions are drawn afterwards. ordinary people at that time pursued a harmonious, happy simple living, including a harmonious human- human relationship, human-nature relationship and even a harmonious inner thought(high moral standards). All the thoughts and life philosophies of ordinary people were expressed by the poems and proverbs inscribed on Changsha Kiln ceramic products. To be concluded, the practice of ordinary people using ceramics as a medium for composing poems and proverbs to express their thoughts in ordinary daily life is a unique regional culture, which confirms the folkloric value of Changsha Kiln ceramics as a folk craft in maintaining regional identity. Therefore, this paper contends that Changsha Kiln ceramics should be restored as a folk craft rather than an artwork in order to promote cultural diversity in the contemporary age.

7. References 1. Nakami Mari. In Pursuit of Composite Beauty: Yanagi

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