In twelfth-century Korea, an orphan named Tree-ear lives under a bridge in Ch’ulp’o, scavenging for food alongside his disabled protector, Crane-man. After accidentally breaking a piece of pottery, Tree-ear begins working for Min, a stern master craftsman known for his intricate celadon glazes. The boy dreams of creating his own vessels but instead performs grueling labor, hauling clay and wood. His loyalty leads him on a dangerous trek to the royal court in Songdo, carrying two delicate vases to secure a commission for his master.
This book serves young readers interested in historical craftsmanship and the technical precision of pottery. It appeals to those seeking a depiction of poverty, apprenticeship, and the rigid social hierarchies of the Goryeo dynasty. Readers observe the patience required for creative mastery and the ethical choices involved in artistic integrity. They finish the story with an understanding of how single fragments can represent whole achievements and how resilience functions when personal ambition meets social duty.
- Published
- 2001
- Language
- EN
