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The book is a collection of six legendary tales from Chinese culture, each exploring themes of love, sacrifice, devotion, and the power of the human spirit. The stories are poignant and thought-provoking, delving into the complexities of human emotions and the consequences of one's actions. The tales include the legend of Ko-Ngai, who sacrifices herself to help her father complete a massive bell for the emperor; the story of Ming-Y, who falls in love with a ghost; the legend of Tchi-Niu, a goddess who rewards a young man's filial piety; the tale of Yen-Tchin-King, a Supreme Judge who bravely fulfills his mission despite danger; the tradition of the tea-plant, which highlights the importance of spiritual discipline and self-sacrifice; and the tale of the Porcelain-God, a humble artist who gives his life to create a perfect vase. Throughout the book, the themes of loyalty, bravery, and devotion are woven together, showcasing the richness and depth of Chinese culture and the enduring power of its legends. The stories are a testament to the human spirit's ability to transcend time and mortality, and to the lasting impact of love, sacrifice, and devotion on individuals and society.
The story revolves around the Soul of the Great Bell, which is a legendary tale about a young woman named Ko-Ngai who sacrifices herself to help her father, a bell-maker, complete a massive bell for the emperor. The bell is said to have a beautiful voice and is rung every day, and people believe that Ko-Ngai's spirit lives on in the bell, crying out for her lost shoe. The tale is a poignant exploration of filial piety, sacrifice, and the power of love and devotion.
The story revolves around Ming-Y, a young man who becomes infatuated with a mysterious and beautiful woman named Sië. They meet by chance, and Ming-Y becomes smitten with Sië, who is revealed to be a ghost, the spirit of a woman who died centuries ago. As their relationship deepens, Ming-Y's friends and family become concerned about his obsession with Sië, and they eventually discover that she is a spirit. Despite this, Ming-Y remains devoted to Sië, and their love continues until she disappears, leaving behind only a tomb and a legend. The story explores the themes of love, obsession, and the power of the human spirit to transcend time and mortality.
The Legend of Tchi-Niu tells the story of Tong-yong, a young man who sells himself into slavery to pay for his father's funeral. He is purchased by a wealthy official and is enabled to honor his father's memory by building a tomb. Tong-yong later becomes ill and is visited by a mysterious and beautiful woman named Tchi, who restores his strength and becomes his wife. Tchi is revealed to be the Goddess Tchi-Niu, sent by the Master of Heaven to reward Tong-yong for his filial piety. She gives birth to a son and then returns to heaven, leaving Tong-yong with a sense of wonder and awe.
The story revolves around Yen-Tchin-King, a Supreme Judge who lived during the Thang dynasty. He was sent by the Emperor to visit the rebel leader Li-Hi-Lié and read him a letter of reproof and warning. Despite the danger, Yen-Tchin-King bravely fulfilled his mission, but was ultimately killed by Li-Hi-Lié. However, his spirit did not rest and he appeared before the Emperor, who was unaware of his death. The Emperor then sent his generals to retrieve Yen-Tchin-King's bones and give him a proper burial with honors. When they arrived, they found that his body had not decomposed, and he seemed to be sleeping. The story is a testament to Yen-Tchin-King's loyalty, bravery, and selflessness, and he was revered as a hero and a symbol of virtue.
The Tradition of the Tea-Plant tells the story of a Buddhist priest who, in his quest for spiritual enlightenment, makes a vow to meditate without interruption for a day and a night. However, he falls asleep and, upon waking, is filled with remorse. To atone for his failure, he cuts off his eyelids and throws them to the ground, where they transform into the first tea plants. The spirit of the tea plant then appears to him, and he learns of its virtues and the benefits it can bring to humanity. The story highlights the themes of spiritual discipline, self-sacrifice, and the power of devotion, as well as the origins and significance of tea in Chinese culture.
The Tale of the Porcelain-God tells the story of Pu, a humble Chinese workman who became a great artist through his tireless study, patience, and inspiration from Heaven. Pu was tasked by the Emperor to create a vase with the tint and aspect of living flesh, but one that would creep with the utterance of a word and be sentient to the horripilation of a thought. Despite his best efforts, Pu was unable to fulfill the Emperor's desire, and he eventually sacrificed his life to complete the task, giving his soul to the vase. The vase was found to be perfect, with the colors of life and a surface that seemed to quiver and palpitate as if with vitality from within. The Emperor was moved by Pu's sacrifice and ordained that godlike honors be paid to his spirit, and that his memory be revered forevermore. Pu's story became a legend, and he was worshipped as the Porcelain-God, with his image set up in all the cities of the Celestial Empire and above all the toiling of the potteries.