While others were merely snatching up scraps, he was sifting through the refuse; and while others were still scrambling for those meager finds, he was already discerning the true treasures. Within his grasp lay the bronze ritual vessels of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, jade discs of the He and Sui eras, and gilded, jeweled belt hooks from the Warring States period. Qin terracotta, Han ceramics, Jin calligraphy, Tang paintings, Song porcelain, Kesi silk, and lacquerware—a universe of wonders, all resting in his hands. One auspicious gold coin set the stage, forging a titan among collectors and spinning a legend for the ages.