Without further ado, Zhuang Rui introduced himself and then opened the cardboard box, grabbed the rim of the black pottery jar, lifted it out, and placed it on the table.
"This is a bit hard to say. The body is quite thin, somewhat resembling Longkou black pottery, but the patina and glaze are a bit hard to identify..."
The shopkeeper took a magnifying glass and circled the wide-rimmed, large-bellied jar for a long time. He then tapped it with his hand, looking somewhat disappointed. He had never seen genuine Longshan black pottery before, and this thing seemed to be a later imitation, not quite matching the legendary characteristics of black pottery, which was described as "black as lacquer and thin as paper."
The "black as lacquer" characteristic of Longshan black pottery does not refer to a simple black color, but rather a glossy black. However, this piece of black pottery has a dull color, and even the patina is not very solid.
After seeing the shopkeeper's expression, Zhuang Rui chuckled a few times and said, "Boss, you should have tung oil and white gauze here, right? Could you please bring some over so I can clean this piece of black pottery?"
"Tung oil? Isn't that used for furniture maintenance?"
The shopkeeper was puzzled upon hearing this. He had been immersed in the porcelain business for decades and had never heard of tung oil being used to clean ceramics. However, since Zhuang Rui had said so, there must be a reason for it. The shopkeeper quickly apologized and went out to prepare tung oil and gauze.
Chapter 303 As Black as Pitch Black, As Thin as Paper (Part 2)
Tung oil is the oil extracted from the seeds of the tung tree, a native oilseed tree species in my country. The tung tree belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and the Vernicia genus. It is native to my country and has a long history of cultivation, with records dating back to the Tang Dynasty more than a thousand years ago. During the Yuan Dynasty, tung oil was introduced overseas by the Italian Marco Polo.
Tung oil is a clear, transparent liquid with characteristics such as rapid drying, high temperature resistance, and corrosion resistance. It can replace varnish and paint and be used directly for machine maintenance, indoor wood flooring, wooden ceilings, sauna boards, wooden balcony railings, and outdoor wood flooring, flower stands, wooden houses, pavilions, fences, wooden bridges, boats, chairs, etc.
However, few people know that diluted tung oil can also be used for the maintenance of ceramics. This is a unique recipe that Uncle De taught Zhuang Rui. The reason why Zhuang Rui agreed to the shopkeeper's request was simply to borrow some tung oil from him. He would have to go through a lot of trouble to buy this stuff himself.
"Xiao Zhuang, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. I don't have this in my shop, so I had to borrow it from someone else."
Most furniture stores keep some tung oil on hand, but porcelain stores don't. Zhuang Rui waited for about ten minutes before the shopkeeper came in carrying a small bowl and a thick stack of white gauze.
"Then, shopkeeper, could you please bring two more large bowls?"
Although tung oil is transparent, it contains some impurities and must be filtered before use. This was Zhuang Rui's first time using the formula taught by Uncle De, and he couldn't help but feel a little nervous.
Zhuang Rui took the large bowl handed to him by the shopkeeper, covered the mouth of the bowl with white gauze, and slowly poured the tung oil from another small bowl into it. You could see with the naked eye that there were some impurities left on the gauze. Then Zhuang Rui changed the gauze and filtered the tung oil in the large bowl again. After doing this three times, the impurities were finally cleaned up.
After filtering the tung oil, Zhuang Rui took a clean large bowl, filled it two-thirds full with water, and then poured in a small amount of the filtered tung oil, about a spoonful. The tung oil did not dissolve in the water, so Zhuang Rui took a chopstick and stirred it continuously. After three or four minutes, the tung oil, which looked like egg white, dissolved in the water.
After mixing the tung oil and water, Zhuang Rui soaked a clean piece of white gauze in it. Because tung oil evaporates quickly and dries easily, the gauze could only be taken out when needed.
After doing these tasks, Zhuang Rui washed the black pottery jar again, wiped it clean with a dry cloth, and placed it in a sunny spot near the entrance to the backyard. Pottery is not as dense as porcelain, so water will seep into it. Simply wiping the outside clean is not enough. However, in August, the sun is very strong, and it should dry out after a while.
"Brother Zhuang, this old man has really learned something new today. I never knew tung oil could be used like this!"
After Zhuang Rui finished his series of actions, the shopkeeper finally breathed a sigh of relief. He had memorized every move Zhuang Rui made, even the slightest one. You see, generally speaking, people who know these skills keep them a secret. For Zhuang Rui to use this method in front of him was an incredible opportunity.
"It's just a little trick, I hope the boss won't laugh at me..."
Zhuang Rui didn't pay much attention. When Uncle De taught him this technique, he didn't say that it couldn't be used in front of others.
"By the way, boss, do you sell any stationery?"
When Zhuang Rui entered the shop, he saw several inkstones behind the counter. Zhuang Rui knew that Grandpa Gu was a good calligrapher and liked to grind ink and practice calligraphy in his spare time. It would be good for him to go and buy inkstones for Grandpa Gu tonight. It's a refined gift for a scholar. If he bought something else, he would probably get scolded by Grandpa Gu.
"Hehe, I specialize in ceramics, but I don't really have any of the Four Treasures of the Study. Young man, did you see those inkstones in my shop? Someone came to sell them a while ago, and I thought they were pretty good, so I bought them. If you're interested, Young Master Zhuang, I can bring them over for you to take a look."
The shopkeeper stood up as he spoke. He had been unable to sell the inkstones he had acquired, even though they were very cheap. He felt uneasy having them in his possession.
"Brother Zhuang, take a look. If you like it, you can take it and play with it."
The shopkeeper had also had someone examine the inkstones, and they were all quite ordinary, not very old, probably made during the Republic of China era. However, although he spoke generously, Zhuang Rui couldn't really just take them without paying; that would be too impolite.
Zhuang Rui knew very little about inkstones. He only knew that there were four famous inkstones in China: Taohe Stone Inkstone, which is produced in the Taohe River in Lintan County, Gansu Province; She Inkstone, which is produced in Wuxi, on the western foothills of Longwei Mountain in Wuyuan, Jiangxi Province; Chengni Inkstone, which is made from filtered fine clay; and Duan Inkstone, which is considered the best among all inkstones. However, he was a layman when it came to distinguishing them.
Zhuang Rui had no choice but to use his spiritual energy to investigate, but the result disappointed him greatly. There was no spiritual energy in these inkstones, and the materials were rough, so they should just be the most ordinary stone inkstones.
Zhuang Rui shook his head and said, "Well, boss, I'm not sure about these inkstones, haha, never mind..."
The shopkeeper wasn't disappointed. He hadn't thought much of these inkstones anyway, and it would be best if he could just get rid of them. But hearing Zhuang Rui's words, he clearly understood. He immediately said, "Young man, if you have some free time later, I'll take you to the Shuyazhai across the street. You can probably find some decent inkstones there."
"Okay, then I'll have to trouble the boss later."
Zhuang Rui nodded, stood up, took the pottery jar from the doorway into the house, and rubbed it with his hand. It was no longer damp, presumably because the moisture that had seeped into the jar had evaporated.
Although the pottery jar had been cleaned, its black color still appeared dull and unremarkable. However, Zhuang Rui knew that this was due to the characteristics of pottery. Just as porcelain would turn slightly yellow over time, pottery would develop a substance on its surface due to oxidation and erosion over time, causing it to become dusty and dull.
Zhuang Rui reached out and took out the gauze soaking in the bowl of tung oil. Then, he carefully and evenly wiped the black pottery jar with the gauze soaked in tung oil. After the jar was completely covered with tung oil, Zhuang Rui quickly took another clean gauze and vigorously rubbed it on the jar. The area he wiped was "black as lacquer and shiny as a mirror," and the color was presented to the shopkeeper and Miao Feifei.
After seven or eight minutes, the entire pottery jar was completely transformed. This pearl of Longshan black pottery, which had been covered in dust for several years, finally revealed its true appearance in Zhuang Rui's hands. The jet-black color, which was both black and shiny, and had a fleshy texture, captivated Zhuang Rui, who was covered in sweat.
No matter what color it is, as long as it is pure to the extreme, it can reveal its unique charm. This black pottery from the Longshan Culture period is just like that. Although there is not a single pattern on it, its extreme simplicity, lightness, elegance and purity give it a mysterious charm.
Once the black pottery placed on the table revealed its true form, it appeared so dignified and beautiful. Its material was delicate and smooth, and its luster was calm and elegant, possessing a soft and serene beauty like that of pearls.
Zhuang Rui picked up the pottery jar and gently tapped it. A melodious jade-like sound rang out from it. The black jar, like ink jade, also contained the light of bronze, reflecting Zhuang Rui's face clearly, like a mirror.
"Young Master Zhuang, you have excellent taste! This old man is truly ashamed of my own inferiority..."
Having witnessed the creation of this piece of black pottery, the shopkeeper's eyes were already gleaming with excitement. As someone who was into ceramics, he naturally knew the value of this item. He estimated that all the genuine porcelain pieces in his shop combined wouldn't be worth as much as this piece of black pottery.
"Oh, that shop owner is too kind. I just happened to hear my elders describe the characteristics of black pottery, and that's how I managed to snag a bargain. It was just luck."
Zhuang Rui smiled modestly. The news of his purchase of the black pottery would probably spread throughout Panjiayuan in a few days. He wondered how angry the smooth-talking stall owner would be when he found out that it was a treasure he had sold.
"Brother Zhuang, would you like to sell this black pottery of yours? This old man can take it, and the price will definitely satisfy you."
After observing for a long time, the shopkeeper finally couldn't resist. Such exquisite black pottery was rare not only in private collections but also in major museums across the country. Therefore, the shopkeeper had the idea of acquiring it.
Before Zhuang Rui could reply, the shopkeeper heard the voice of the girl who came in with Zhuang Rui: "Zhuang Rui, you can't sell it! It's such a beautiful thing. It would be so nice to put it in your living room after your courtyard house is renovated."
Zhuang Rui smiled at the shopkeeper but didn't say anything. Miao Feifei's words echoed his own thoughts; he wouldn't sell this item for money.
However, as for Miao Feifei's suggestion to place it in the living room, Zhuang Rui needs to think about it carefully. After all, this thing is too valuable. He might have to learn from Wei Ge's father and specially order a display stand with some spotlights inside. Although it's a bit flashy, he's doing it to promote traditional Chinese culture.
Chapter 304 The Four Treasures of the Study
The shopkeeper watched as Zhuang Rui put the black pottery back into the paper box. His eyes were practically blazing with anger, but since the item wasn't his, he could only sigh inwardly, seeing it but not touching it.
"Boss, let's go take a look at that Shuyazhai you mentioned. I just need to buy some gifts for my elders..."
After Zhuang Rui finished tidying up, he picked up the cardboard box. The most notable feature of this Longshan black pottery is its lightness. Even though it was a large object, he could hardly feel its weight.
"Alright, let's go right now. But I have to say, Brother Zhuang, if you ever want to sell your Longshan black pottery in the future, you absolutely must give priority to my place. The price will be absolutely fair..."
The shopkeeper was still a bit unwilling to give up, so he handed Zhuang Rui a business card. He saw that Zhuang Rui was not very old and might need money at any time, so his opportunity would come.
Zhuang Rui smiled and said, "I will definitely have to deal with that boss again in the future, but I will not sell this item. If that boss really likes it, he might as well find some good stuff and we can discuss it privately."
Zhuang Rui's words effectively shut down the shopkeeper's idea, but he left him a loophole: it wasn't impossible for him to get the item, but he had to offer something he liked in exchange.
Zhuang Rui's approach is the most common in the antique trade. In this circle, if you want to buy someone else's item, but they may not be willing to sell, you have to offer something they like in exchange. In this case, there aren't many actual buying and selling transactions in the antique trade; the vast majority of transactions are exchanges.
Uncle De once told Zhuang Rui about this incident. A few years ago, he was digging up old houses in Shanxi and acquired a complete set of six huanghuali wood tables and chairs. Once, a collector from Beijing visited his home and took a liking to the huanghuali table and chairs. He offered four million yuan to buy it. At that time, the price of huanghuali antique furniture was rising, so Uncle De naturally disagreed.
That collector from Beijing really took a liking to this set of tables and chairs. He traveled from Beijing to Zhonghai more than ten times during the year, always pestering Uncle De to buy it. He even brought several other nice collectibles to exchange with Uncle De. In the end, Uncle De couldn't resist his nagging any longer and also took a liking to the Qing Dynasty Kangxi period iron-red enamel and gold-painted cloud and dragon pattern straight-necked vase that the collector brought out, so he exchanged it with him.
Because everyone has different preferences and collecting interests, it's hard to say who loses out or gains in such exchanges. For example, Uncle De collects miscellaneous items but is an expert in porcelain, so he has a greater preference for porcelain. On the other hand, the collector in Beijing likes antique furniture, so he was willing to exchange his Qing Dynasty Kangxi period iron-red enamel and gold-painted cloud and dragon pattern straight-necked vase with Uncle De.
In terms of value, a Qing Dynasty Kangxi period iron-red enamel and gold-painted dragon and cloud design straight-necked vase fetched around seven million at auction, while Uncle De's set of eight immortals table and chairs could only fetch a maximum of five million. However, the transaction was completed smoothly, and the collector in Beijing had no complaints.
Some friends might say at this point, "You're talking nonsense. I can just sell those Kangxi imperial porcelain pieces and then buy huanghuali tables and chairs. Who would be foolish enough to know they'd lose two million and still go through with it?"
That's the logic, but in practice, it might not work. It's true that a Qing Dynasty Kangxi period iron-red enamel and gold-painted cloud and dragon straight-necked vase can fetch seven or eight million at auction, but even if you have that much money, you might not be able to acquire a set of eight-immortal table and chairs like Uncle De's.
It's important to know that while there are many old objects left over from various dynasties, very few can be made into a complete set. For example, there is a pair of blue and white dragon porcelain vases from the Qianlong period. One of them once sold for 3.2 million yuan, but when the other one appeared, it sold for a sky-high price of 9.8 million yuan. The reason it was so expensive was simply that the owner of the other porcelain vase wanted to complete the set.
Therefore, in the antique trade, it's hard to say who loses out and who gains in the barter system. It's like Zhou Yu beating Huang Gai – both parties are willing to hit and be hit.
"Okay, please leave a message for me, Brother Zhuang, so we can get to know each other better in the future."
Upon hearing Zhuang Rui's words, the shopkeeper knew he was no novice, so he naturally didn't mention buying it with money. True collectors can't measure their beloved items with money. Of course, many more people are simply investing in antiques because of their rising popularity.
Zhuang Rui took out a business card from the Jade Association and handed it to the shopkeeper. Upon seeing it, the shopkeeper repeatedly apologized for his rudeness. Although the title of director of the Jade Association wasn't high, it was still a semi-official position. It was only because he was too young that he was considered a leader. If it were someone older, he would be an authority in the jade industry.
"Zhuang Rui, didn't you want to buy an inkstone? Let's go..."
Miao Feifei's personality was completely opposite to her appearance. After waiting for a while, she became a little impatient. She had come all this way to visit Panjiayuan and wanted to go out and hear more stories. Panjiayuan was a veritable panorama of life.
"Alright, you two come with me. This 'Shuyazhai' is a well-established brand in Panjiayuan. I guarantee you won't leave empty-handed."
The shopkeeper noticed that Miao Feifei was getting impatient, so he quickly led the way.
The most important thing about antiques is communication. Collectors can only experience the joy of collecting through communication with others. Therefore, there is no situation of scholars looking down on each other in this industry. On the contrary, everyone is willing to help each other and exchange what they have.
"Shuyazhai" wasn't far from the shopkeeper's shop, just a dozen meters away. As soon as he entered the shop, several shop assistants greeted the shopkeeper. They seemed to know each other very well.
"Where's Brother Zhao? Call him out, I'll introduce him to a big client."
The shopkeeper started shouting as soon as he entered, acting as if he were no outsider, and sat down at a square table in the middle of the shop.
This elegant study wasn't very large, about half the size of the shopkeeper's shop. Various antique plaques hung on the surrounding walls, and around the shop was a half-person-high wooden shelf filled with inkstones of all colors. On one wall of the shop hung many calligraphy brushes of different sizes, some as thin as chopsticks. The largest one, however, looked like a mop, making one sigh in admiration.
"Brother, you never come here without a reason. Is there anything I can do for you?"
As the voices spoke, a middle-aged man in his forties walked out from the inner hall. He was slightly overweight, wearing a long jumpsuit, and glasses, and looked very refined.
"This young man wants to buy a set of stationery. Show us what you have in mind..."
The shopkeeper pointed at Zhuang Rui and said.
"Oh, young man, what kind do you need? Is it a gift or for your own use?"
Mr. Zhao turned his gaze to Zhuang Rui.
"It's a gift for an elder. Mr. Zhao, could you please introduce some stationery items to me? I don't know much about them."
Zhuang Rui did practice calligraphy for a few days when he was in elementary school, but that was a long time ago.
"Hehe, there's no need to say much about the Four Treasures of the Study: brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. Each has its own purpose and its own intricacies. As the saying goes: 'A famous inkstone for clear water, ancient ink for new ink, a familiar brush, and old paper.' Together they form a complete set. Let's first take a look at the inkstone, which the ancients praised as the foremost of the Four Treasures of the Study."
As Mr. Zhao spoke, he led Zhuang Rui to the shelf displaying inkstones and said, “I have Duan inkstones from Zhaoqing, Guangdong; She inkstones from Anhui; Lu inkstones from Shandong; Longwei inkstones from Jiangxi; and Chengni inkstones from Shanxi. However, these inkstones are all antiques. Most people would buy them for display, and they wouldn’t be willing to wet them to make ink.”
Zhuang Rui looked at the antique inkstones that Boss Zhao had mentioned. These inkstones were indeed simple in shape and a bit old in color. One of them was even missing a corner, probably because it was accidentally dropped during use. Upon closer inspection, it was clear that they contained spiritual energy. Boss Zhao was not just talking nonsense.
"Mr. Zhao, what's the price of this inkstone?"
After observing for a while, Zhuang Rui pointed to an inkstone and asked, "It's an inkstone shaped like a child picking lotus flowers. The inkstone is boat-shaped, with a child wearing a bib standing on the boat, reaching out to pick lotus pods from lotus leaves. The inkstone is made of fine stone, with simple and ancient carvings, and the shape is extremely interesting. Moreover, Zhuang Rui observed through his spiritual energy that it was an ancient inkstone, so he decided to buy it."
"Young man, you have a good eye! This is an ancient inkstone from Yishui, Hebei, but it's not cheap."
"Oh? Mr. Zhao, please name a price..."
Zhuang Rui didn't care much about the price. This was a token of his appreciation for Old Master Gu, so spending a little more money was no big deal.
"120,000. This inkstone was once used by Li Hongzhang, the Grand Secretary of the Qing Dynasty. I've kept it for several years and have never been willing to sell it..."