"...found the smoke in the vase floating, yet could find no cause for it. The person then tried placing a plum blossom branch into the vase, only to discover that even without water, the flower showed no sign of wilting; furthermore, it began sprouting new buds..." As he spoke, the Senior Expert sighed, "When I first read this record, I dismissed it as mere fanciful fabrication by scholars of that era.

But the more I studied ceramics, the more I realized such things truly existed. Seeing this vase now confirms it without a doubt." At the same time, the Senior Expert couldn't help but complain, "Brother Qian, we've known each other for seven or eight years, and you've been sitting on such a treasure without letting slip a single word.

That's truly remiss of you." "Brother Lu speaks with perfect accuracy; he deserves to be questioned and censured." Someone chimed in with agreement, then quickly laughed, "But before we hold him accountable, I'm far more curious about how the vase achieves this effect. Causing branches to sprout without water—that’s utterly mystifying." Hearing this, many nodded their heads in deep accord.

It is widely known that water and soil are fundamental to plant life. Without soil, if a water-loving plant has enough moisture to sustain it, it certainly won't wither quickly and might even develop roots and sprouts.

However, for a plant to maintain its vitality without either soil or water forces one to question the mechanism. "The reason for this..." Facing their scrutinizing gazes, the Senior Expert paused, then stated lightly, "I only know that it happens, not why.

You really should ask Brother Qian for the specifics. The object has been in his possession for forty years; whatever profound secrets it holds, he must have thoroughly investigated them by now." Momentarily, everyone's eyes turned toward Elder Qian.

Hoping he could offer a clear explanation. "There isn't much to say, really." Elder Qian smiled faintly at this moment.

"Don't imagine the object to be some kind of profound magic. In truth, it's merely a masterpiece of yaobian (kiln transmutation)." "Yaobian?" For an instant, many looked enlightened, only to sink back into deep confusion.

There were many experts present who naturally understood what yaobian meant. To put it in written terms, it refers to the unexpected glaze effects that appear after firing, resulting from various coloring elements within the kiln undergoing oxidation or reduction during the ceramic's time in the heat.

Because its appearance was accidental, its form unique, and because the ancients did not grasp the underlying principles—only knowing it occurred during the kiln firing process—it was termed yaobian. It is precisely because of this element of chance that the saying yaobian wushuang (unique kiln transmutation) exists, signifying that every piece of yaobian porcelain is one-of-a-kind.

Jun ware, one of the Five Great Kilns of the Song Dynasty, is the most famous example of yaobian porcelain. Judging by existing Jun ware, the colors are indeed dazzlingly beautiful.

Some resemble red sunset clouds chasing the moon; others look like towering waterfalls with pearl curtains hanging down; some mimic the colorful explosions of a holiday night sky; still others appear like the surging, turbulent tides of the Qiantang River. In short, the changes are unpredictable, with no two pieces alike.

Even the ancients lamented that this yaobian was a fusion of earth and water, achieved by human effort, yet impossible to replicate. However, yaobian ceramics rarely survived.

The reason was that since the outcome was accidental and outside the potter's control, once a piece of yaobian was produced, the supervisory official would often smash it immediately. It wasn't that they were unaware of the rarity and preciousness of yaobian; rather, they feared presenting such an item to the Emperor, who might then demand they replicate the exact same piece—a situation tantamount to shooting themselves in the foot and inviting their own demise.

Moreover, the most well-known characteristic of yaobian porcelain is its ever-changing color; it truly is 'one color entering the kiln, ten thousand colors emerging.' Through high-temperature firing, the glaze surface would form boundless, magnificent hues. Yet, everyone could clearly observe that the vase on display was a simple, pale beige—it looked more like a failed attempt at firing white porcelain.

How could it possibly be a piece of yaobian renowned for its brilliant and varied colors? Sensing their doubt, Elder Qian chuckled lightly, "Don't be surprised.

Most people assume yaobian only involves deformation or color change, but they don't realize there's also the concept of 'quality transmutation' in yaobian." "Quality transmutation?" Instantly, many looked at each other, puzzled. However, some veteran experts looked thoughtful, nodding almost imperceptibly in agreement, clearly aware of this concept of transmutation.

"Deformation is relatively easy to understand; it refers to cracking or damage during the firing process. Initially, deformed ceramics were considered rejects, smashed and discarded.

Later, someone turned waste into treasure, gradually mastering the patterns of cracking, and through refinement, this became kai pian (crazing)..." At this point, Elder Qian spoke smoothly, "As for color change, that's something everyone is familiar with and needs no further elaboration from me. But 'quality transmutation'—many might not be clear on it, though it wasn't uncommon in ancient times." "The Kao Yao Qi (Studies of Ancient Kiln Wares) records, 'My family possesses two Song bowls with town-preserving qualities; in summer, storing foul items in them prevents them from rotting or smelling.'" "The introduction to Su Dongpo’s poem Pingsheng mentions someone hearing the sound of a sheng flute, distant as if from the clouds.

Varying in pitch and movement, the rough melody, upon closer inspection, emanated from a pair of vases..." "The You Ya Zhi (Record of Elegance and Refinement) also notes, 'Lord Lu’s gate has a large urn that can hold five hundred shi; wind and clouds emerge from within it.'" Elder Qian cited these examples one by one, drawing from classical texts, leaving no room for rebuttal. "In all these numerous instances, due to the insufficient knowledge of the ancients, they mistook these phenomena for the supernatural and smashed many objects.

In reality, they were merely the result of yaobian." As he spoke, Elder Qian showed a touch of regret, then pointed to the vase on the display stand. "Take this object, for instance.

It appears capable of reviving dead wood—naturally seeming profound and magical. However, there is a certain scientific principle at play." "What scientific principle?" Upon hearing this, the crowd became highly interested and leaned in to listen.

"First, the body of the porcelain vase is made from a rather specialized clay. Furthermore, during the firing process, an accidental transmutation occurred, causing an unstable magnetic field to form inside the vase." Elder Qian smiled.

"When Brother Lu mentioned the branches sprouting without water, it's because the vase automatically collects dew vapor every night, forming beads of moisture by morning. This moisture is then vaporized by the heat generated from the magnetic field, naturally forming mist and cloud.

Moreover, the magnetic field in this vase is quite chaotic; even if I pour water in, it quickly turns to vapor..." "Under the combined action of the magnetic field and the vapor, the vitality of the flower branches is stimulated, causing them to naturally recover their moist appearance. After being nourished for a period, sprouting new growth is hardly surprising." Under Elder Qian's explanation, some suddenly understood, others remained skeptical, and still others couldn't help but call out loudly, "What about the lotus blooming?" Indeed!

At the same time, others caught on. They had clearly seen the flower bud suddenly burst open into a bloom the size of a sea bowl.

Surely that process wasn't some trickery? "It's not trickery, just a little clever staging," Elder Qian chuckled lightly.

"This is a water lily—one that closes at night and blooms during the day. If you clip a bud just as it is about to open at dawn, let it sit for four or five hours, and then place it in the vase, the magical effect you witnessed is naturally achieved under the catalysis of the water vapor and magnetic field." "So that's how it is." For a moment, many understood, feeling a complex mixture of emotions—were they disappointed, or secretly relieved?

But regardless, now that they knew this was a treasure born of yaobian, their interest grew even more intense. After all, Elder Qian had explained very clearly that the probability of such a yaobian treasure forming was infinitesimal, a one-in-ten-thousand occurrence.

Even if it formed by chance, it was often smashed by ignorant, unenlightened ancients who mistook it for something demonic. In other words, the object before them was unique, a rare and precious treasure.

If an ordinary person obtained it, they would certainly keep it secret and cherish it. Since Elder Qian was willing to display it for everyone's appreciation now, how could they not examine it closely?

"Elder Qian’s luck, tsk, tsk!" At this point, Wang Guan couldn't help but sigh. "His very first collectible is a rare marvel; it truly inspires envy and jealousy." "Anyone can say that, but you’re the least qualified to say it..." Elder Zhou immediately shook his head upon hearing this.

"You are the pot calling the kettle black; you also draw resentment." Wang Guan chuckled dryly and instantly shifted the topic, "Elder Zhou, tell me honestly, besides this 'Revival of Dead Wood' vase, what other treasures does Elder Qian plan to unveil?" "How would I know? It depends on his mood," Elder Zhou replied with a smile.

"Don't worry; your turn in the spotlight will come eventually." "I’m not anxious, just expectant," Wang Guan murmured quietly. "I knew Elder Qian must have kept something up his sleeve, but I didn't expect him to hide it so deeply..." "It wasn't hidden," Elder Zhou corrected.

"The item wasn't originally in his hands..." Elder Zhou stopped mid-sentence. But Wang Guan immediately grasped the meaning and nodded gently in understanding.

It seemed the object had been borrowed by Elder Hou’s research unit and would only be returned when Elder Qian required it. While the two were whispering, the crowd that had dispersed began to return, clearly having heard about the demonstration and now deeply regretting their departure, strongly demanding that Elder Qian perform the feat again.

Elder Qian, however, merely smiled calmly, telling them to come back early tomorrow, then gathered a group of friends and relatives and departed the museum in a grand procession, heading off for a victory banquet. Seeing this, those left behind could do nothing but glare in frustration.

After all, several burly security guards were standing nearby, and no one dared to openly approach the vase. At this moment, the mobile phone videos taken earlier became hot commodities, with many people crowding around to watch, marveling.

Of course, since they hadn't witnessed it firsthand, some expressed skepticism and got into arguments with those who firmly believed, ultimately deciding to wait until tomorrow to see for themselves. In fact, having disputes was a good thing; controversy naturally attracts attention.

Just like today, the visitors who saw what happened at the museum and recounted it would naturally generate a strong reaction. Some would believe, others would doubt, and amidst the clamor, many gathered near the ticket window the next morning, right when the museum officially opened for ticket sales...

(To be continued) 〖Book Network∷Fast Update∷No Pop-ups∷Pure Text∷www.〗RT