Chapter 120: You Pay! (Two-in-One)

Can ceramic and pottery techniques apply for World Heritage Application?

Of course they can.

In 2006, the first batch of National Level intangible cultural heritage projects, the first fifteen items among traditional techniques, were ceramic techniques. This included the Yaozhou Kiln and Chengcheng Yaotou Kiln in Shaanxi.

Cultural Relic Restoration can also apply for World Heritage Application, and Gold and Silver Craftsmanship is even more eligible, with a richer catalog: Gold Foil, gold and silver detailing, gold and silver inlay, gold lacquer decoration...

But that does not mean one can apply just because one wants to.

First, the project itself must embody certain historical, cultural, and scientific value. Second, the application team and the protection unit must possess a certain level of academic research capability.

Wang Qi Zhi is not worried about these two points; the difficulty lies in the third point, which is also the most important: it must be sufficiently unique, and more importantly, have evidence of living inheritance and a clear lineage of succession.

To put it bluntly: it is best if only this one lone seedling remains, best if it is in an endangered state where the inheritance is on the verge of breaking, yet still shows signs of activity in society.

Therefore, techniques researched by relying on institutions or by exploring ancient literary materials do not count; even if it is a unique skill that has been restored, it does not meet the standard of an "inheritor."

For example, in the second batch in 2008, the Shanghai Museum applied for World Heritage Application for ancient ceramic restoration, but because it did not attract enough attention, the project selected by the assisting team was too ordinary, and they failed to organize a complete master-apprentice relationship, so the application was rejected by the Ministry of Culture as soon as it was submitted.

The following year, the inheritance applicant Professor Jiang Daoyin cooperated with a private company, but it was not until the fourth batch seven years later, in 2014, that the application succeeded.

As for the Shanghai Museum applying as a protection unit, it did not succeed until the fifth batch in 2021. The reason it is so difficult lies in the uniqueness and the clear lineage of inheritance.

So, does Lin Sicheng possess these?

Uniqueness is certainly possessed, whether it is Gold and Silver Craftsmanship or ceramic restoration technology.

But inheritance, of course, he does not have.

However, one can search, one can apprentice, and one can learn.

For example, Professor Yao Hansong: taking the grandfather of that Director He Jintang as the first generation, then the father and son He Jintang, who were included in the Shaanxi History Museum, would be the second and third generations.

Professor Yao learned his craft following He Jintang's father, making him also the third generation; if Lin Sicheng apprentices under him, he would be the fourth generation.

So, would Professor Yao accept him?

Wang Qi Zhi suspects: if he were to make a phone call now, Professor Yao would dare to let Lin Sicheng drop out of Xida by tomorrow.

"But it's not safe!"

Wang Qi Zhi frowned, "It would be best if we could find that Professor He Jintang!"

Lin Sicheng thought for a moment: "I'm afraid that's difficult!"

Because there is a hard requirement for World Heritage Application: cultivating talent, inheriting and innovating... to put it officially: it must be passed down, and even more, it must be brought to life.

So it goes back to that saying: why would someone teach their unique skill, which they rely on to make a living, to others for free?

Wang Qi Zhi emphasized: "I mean just to hang a name, just in case!"

"Teacher, I think Professor Yao is quite good!" Lin Sicheng shook his head, "The influence of the Provincial Museum is large enough, and its research capability is more than sufficient! It is also a public welfare institution, so it will not hesitate to popularize and pass on the craft..."

Wang Qi Zhi was stunned for a moment: why does it feel like his words are completely off-base?

I was talking about the name of the inheritance, why did Lin Sicheng bring up influence and research capability?

He was just about to explain, his mouth already open, when he suddenly thought of the "popularizing and passing on" that Lin Sicheng mentioned, and he closed it again.

That's right, how could he have forgotten; He Jintang and the Provincial Museum have a fundamental conflict.

If you choose the former, you cannot choose the latter; you cannot have your cake and eat it too.

That is only secondary; the point is: even if it is just hanging a name, the status of master and apprentice is not something to be hung carelessly. For example, if the World Heritage Application succeeds, what if He Jintang comes to claim his share of the benefits?

I am your master, it wouldn't be excessive to open a company under your banner, like that Prosperous Tang Pavilion, would it?

And then produce a pile of imitations, flooding the market... the scene would be too beautiful, Wang Qi Zhi almost doesn't dare to imagine it.

He raised his hand and scratched his forehead: he is usually decisive and acts as soon as he decides, which is efficient, but in some areas, he is indeed not as thoughtful and meticulous as Lin Sicheng.

"I was just thinking of calling Professor Yao immediately, but it seems I must slow down! How about this, you prepare first, and then another day we will go together to give Professor Yao and the Provincial Museum a bit more confidence..."

Lin Sicheng nodded: "Okay!"

It is indeed necessary to increase confidence: first, the apprenticeship, and second, the protection unit for the World Heritage Application project must have sufficient influence and research capability; the latter is beyond doubt for the Provincial Museum.

Furthermore, it can also reduce competitors. It can be said that as soon as the Shaanxi History Museum announces: "I want to apply for the 'Gold and Silver Craftsmanship' intangible cultural heritage project selection," then Fengxiang, jewelry companies, and everyone else will have to back down, and the probability of success will increase by several fold.

But as the saying goes, haste makes waste; one cannot be too anxious.

But Wang Qi Zhi is not just ordinarily anxious, his face full of worry: "But what about ceramics? One must have characteristics, and the most critical thing is the lineage of inheritance: just Professor Lin, I'm afraid that's not enough?"

It is more than just not enough; it is that he doesn't even touch the edges: the old gentleman was one of the first students in the archaeology major at Northwest University, purely professionally trained; what inheritance or intangible heritage is there to talk about?

But it is not without a way.

Lin Sicheng softly spat out three words: "The old lady!"

Wang Qi Zhi was stunned for a moment, then it was like the clouds parting to reveal the sun, and he suddenly understood: that's right, how could he have forgotten that old lady in Qishan?

The old lady's father-in-law was a genuine craftsman from the Imperial Household Department of the late Qing Dynasty, and the old lady has spent her whole life repairing broken heads and mending Cultural Relics. Is the inheritance not long enough, is the lineage not clear enough?

Think back to that day, the way the old lady looked at Lin Sicheng; if Lin Sicheng dared to say he wanted to apprentice, the old lady would dare to set up an incense table on the spot.

More importantly: the Chicken Cup.

As long as these two items can be repaired well and placed on the table of the superior department: "Come, take a look, have you ever seen this?"

Wang Qi Zhi even feels that the chances are better than for the Tang Dynasty gold and silver craftsmanship?

"The same logic applies: don't rush to find the old lady yet; even if you do, it must wait until you have finished repairing the Delicate Yellow Glaze and the large jar with dragon patterns among flowers. But the necessary preparatory work must be started first..."

Wang Qi Zhi became excited again, but his train of thought was exceptionally clear: "How about this, we first seek the school's support, but before communicating with the school and department leaders, let's finalize the team..."

"Then, practice as soon as possible, and simultaneously organize the practical results. It doesn't need to be much, and you don't need to finish repairing the Chicken Cup; as long as you can repair that large jar with dragon patterns among flowers, I, as your teacher, will dare to take the item to find the leaders of the Provincial Culture Department..."

Lin Sicheng's eyes brightened.

Occasionally, Professor Wang is indeed a bit flighty, and his temper is a bit impatient. But when it comes to using his brain, he can outsmart ten Professor Shangs.

Just like now: the master and apprentice have the project, and they have the lineage of inheritance; it is equivalent to the school sending an auxiliary team to assist, and at most, supporting them with some equipment and materials.

Then, a National Level honor falls on their heads: Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Unit. Therefore, the school leaders could not be more supportive or happy.

But the fear is that someone will cause trouble, like bringing in a connected person like Wang Qi Zhi, where the internal fighting never ends in a day, let alone applying for heritage?

With a "slap" of his palm, Wang Qi Zhi looked at Lin Sicheng, "I think having Professor Lin in charge, with Shang Yan assisting, is quite appropriate, what do you think?"

It's definitely appropriate: the old man wouldn't scam anyone, let alone his own eldest grandson.

Having dealt with Professor Shang so many times, the two of them—teacher and student—knew her character perfectly: she was absolutely worthy of the professional standards and moral integrity of an educator.

Lin Sicheng pondered, "As for Professor Shang, you definitely need to step in, Teacher. As for Grandfather, I have to find an opportunity..."

The key is, he didn't dare let the old man know too much at once: how long had it been? The grandson who was originally more of a straw-filled embroidered pillow than a useless person now knew everything he should and shouldn't know, and not only that, but was he even becoming too proficient at it?

If he spilled it all, would it scare the old man into a bad state? Therefore, he had to tell him bit by bit.

"Don't worry, although Shang Yan is a bit slow, her mouth is definitely tight enough." Wang Qi Zhi chuckled, "I'll call her in a moment and ask her to come over for a chat... Let's go, eat first!"

After grabbing a quick bite at the school gate, Lin Sicheng and Wang Qi Zhi returned to the studio.

The location had been personally approved by Wang Qi Zhi, and he had even come to see it himself before, but he hadn't expected that after such a short time, the changes would be so great.

With these thoughts, Lin Sicheng led Wang Qi Zhi into the operation room.

Li Zhen was hunched over a long table, polishing a tile; hearing the movement of the door opening, she turned around: "Professor Wang!"

Wang Qi Zhi gave a hum and nodded.

"It's almost eight o'clock, you haven't left yet?" Lin Sicheng checked his watch, "Senior Sister, have you eaten?"

"I ate at the cafeteria, I was just about to leave!" After replying, Li Zhen began to tidy up her things.

Once she had finished most of it, she paused slightly: "Are you still staying here tonight?"

Lin Sicheng thought for a moment: "Maybe!"

When Professor Shang came later, they would likely talk until very late, so he was too lazy to go back.

"Oh~" she responded softly, tucking a stray hair behind her ear, "It's been three or four days, and I've seen you wearing this same outfit the whole time, so A Zhu and I went to the mall at noon to buy you two shirts and a pair of dress pants. Try them on tonight, and if they don't fit, I'll go exchange them tomorrow..."

Li Zhen's expression was very open, and her tone was calm. Plus, in his past life, his Assistant had always done these chores, and even more than this, so Lin Sicheng didn't think much of it: "Sorry for the trouble, Senior Sister!"

Li Zhen smiled: "It can be reimbursed!"

Lin Sicheng nodded: That goes without saying.

If it weren't reimbursed, the nature of it would leave a bad taste.

Wang Qi Zhi remained silent, but his eyelids twitched: What is meant by subtle influence, moistening things silently?

This is it.

The key is, even he hadn't realized that Lin Sicheng hadn't been home for three days and had been wearing this same outfit the whole time?

This student, Shang Yan, is quite impressive, isn't she?

Just as he was secretly observing, Li Zhen had already finished packing and was about to leave, but Lin Sicheng called her back: "Senior Sister, wait a moment, Professor Shang is coming too. We need to discuss some things with Professor Wang, you should listen in too!"

Li Zhen smiled gently: "Okay!"

Wang Qi Zhi's eyelids twitched again: Obedient and compliant, not even the slightest bit curious, and she didn't ask a single unnecessary question.

Wasn't Dan Wangshu like this back then?

A man who has some ability, is quite busy, and needs to devote twelve parts of his focus to every matter, fears nothing more than unexpected trouble.

Based on this, many things are just settled for or compromised on. Gradually, in his subconscious, he develops a way of thinking: "Whichever is less troublesome, I will choose that": including life, work, and some daily behavioral habits.

For example, Lin Sicheng can wear the same outfit for three days, or for instance, when he gets to the cafeteria, he eats at whichever window has the shortest line, even if the food is terrible.

And even, choosing a partner!

Don't believe it?

Wang Qi Zhi could provide a personal example, and he could talk for three days and three nights without stopping.

Moreover, this girl is pretty enough, her personality is gentle enough, and the key is, they share common interests.

Take a guess, as time goes by, will Lin Sicheng develop the thought that "this isn't bad"?

The more Wang Qi Zhi thought about it, the more he felt it was possible.

Just as his thoughts were running wild, with a "creak," Shang Yan pushed the door open and entered.

The four of them went to the office next door.

Li Zhen poured tea, Shang Yan took it in her hand and blew on the floating leaves. Then she smiled at Lin Sicheng and curled her lip at Wang Qi Zhi: "Why did you call me over so late?"

Wang Qi Zhi was long used to this attitude from Shang Yan. It was his own fault, too, for repeatedly putting pressure on her.

But Shang Yan was a university professor after all; she was just a bit slow in her immediate reactions, not actually stupid. Being fooled by him repeatedly, it was a miracle she hadn't splashed tea in Wang Qi Zhi's face.

Wang Qi Zhi smiled, lowering his voice with a hint of temptation: "Shang Yan, do you want to win an award, a big award?"

Instantly, Shang Yan's eyes widened, her face full of vigilance: "Wang Qi Zhi, what are you trying to do again!"

Lin Sicheng had just taken a sip of tea and barely avoided spitting it out.

Wang Qi Zhi looked helpless: Can there be no trust left at all?

"Lin Sicheng, you tell her!"

Lin Sicheng nodded: "Professor Shang, Professor Wang invited you here today to discuss with you: relying on our studio, with the District Government as the applicant and the school as the protecting unit, can we apply for 'Ancient Ceramic Restoration Techniques' as an Intangible Cultural Heritage project?"

After a slight pause, Lin Sicheng emphasized: "National Level!"

Shang Yan gripped her tea cup tightly.

It was only because it came from Lin Sicheng's mouth; if it had been Wang Qi Zhi, she would have snapped back: "Old Wang, you're ugly, but your imagination is quite beautiful, isn't it?"

What is Intangible Cultural Heritage?

It refers to intangible cultural heritage projects that embody the excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation, possess historical, literary, artistic, and scientific value, are unique or even one-of-a-kind, and whose inheritance is on the verge of extinction.

What is National Level? Established and hosted by the State Council, with the assistance of the Ministry of Culture.

How hard is it to apply for World Heritage Application?

Just look at this: in 2005, the State Council issued a notice, and provinces scrambled to apply. From the Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, across every dynasty and era, every province and city, there were more than a thousand famous porcelain kilns.

But in the end, only seven were successfully selected: Jingdezhen Official Kiln, Yixing Purple Clay, Tongchuan Yaozhou Kiln, Chengcheng Yaotou Kiln, Fujian Dehua Kiln, Zhejiang Longquan Kiln, and Hebei Zizhou Kiln.

The reason is simple: the kiln fires never went out, and the inheritance never broke. To put it bluntly: they have been firing the whole time.

Then there is the Shanghai Museum; their ceramic Artifact Restoration technology is famous in the industry, ranking at least in the top three among all major institutions, yet their application for the "Ancient Ceramic Restoration" project was rejected outright.

Why?

No distinctive features, not unique enough, and the lineage of inheritance is not clear.

To put it plainly: almost every province has ancient kiln sites, and every province has produced famous porcelain. The research categories and technical craftsmanship of all local research institutions and educational institutions are much the same; it is impossible to call them "unique," let alone "endangered."

Therefore, let alone "National Level," even for a provincial level, Wang Qi Zhi has to use every ounce of his strength.

Just as Shang Yan revealed a trace of a cold sneer, Wang Qi Zhi waved his hand: "Lin Sicheng, let her see for herself!"

Lin Sicheng smiled, pulled a box from under his feet, and lifted the lid.

Shang Yan was stunned, then narrowed her eyes: Ming Hongzhi Jiao Yellow Glaze, Hongzhi Yellow-ground Blue and White with dragon patterns among flowers?

Subconsciously, she took out two porcelain shards: having studied this for half a lifetime, she certainly wouldn't misidentify them. So, Wang Qi Zhi and Lin Sicheng want to repair these two pieces, and then use the restoration technology to apply for Intangible Cultural Heritage status?

"Wishful thinking!"

After looking for a long time, Shang Yan dropped the porcelain shards and glared at Wang Qi Zhi:

"I'll just ask you, how do you plan to have Lin Sicheng repair them? Stapling, Gold Pasting, Gold Repair, or Lacquer Repair?"

"Our school doesn't teach the latter two, and neither do other schools. But the problem is, which museum above the provincial level doesn't research them?"

"Lin Sicheng's craftsmanship is indeed high, but both of these have complete documentary materials passed down, and their folk inheritance is even more widespread; they don't touch the edge of being endangered at all. Where would the protection come from, and how do you plan to apply?"

Shang Yan's mouth was like a machine gun, "rat-tat-tatting" non-stop, and she tilted her eyes, almost saying: Wang Qi Zhi, even if the entire World Heritage Application review group were your relatives, it wouldn't work.

Wang Qi Zhi was neither anxious nor annoyed: "I knew you wouldn't believe it, but don't be impatient, I'll let you see for yourself tomorrow!"

Shang Yan let out a "Ha": "How will you let me see?"

Wang Qi Zhi leaned back leisurely: "Have you heard of Layered Repair?"

Shang Yan shook her head directly: "Impossible!"

"What's impossible about it? When Lin Sicheng restored that Cloisonné, that Sunflower-mouth Plate, you weren't absent, were you?"

Shang Yan froze: That's right, Lin Sicheng's Six Point Six Burn, adding color layer by layer—isn't that Layered Repair?

But she still felt it was impossible.

So-called Layered Repair is actually Seamless Restoration, but copper-body Enamel and porcelain have essential differences, and the difficulty is even higher.

There are many units starting research, but only three are relatively mature in technology: the Cultural Heritage Research Institute of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, the Forbidden City, and the Shanghai Museum.

Even if Lin Sicheng pieced together some learning from ancient documents and Thesis journals, he certainly hadn't come into contact with the core technology before.

Even if Wang Qi Zhi used a Backdoor to get the technology for him, and even if Lin Sicheng were extremely clever, in such a short time, he could at most learn the basics.

Shang Yan pinched her furrowed brow, "Lin Sicheng, copper is copper, porcelain is porcelain; the expansion coefficient of the base body and the high-temperature tolerance coefficient of the glaze surface are completely different concepts. But that is only one thing..."

"Secondly, the non-replicability of ancient materials, the compatibility of substitute materials, multi-angle color constancy, the restoration of brushstroke texture—have you considered any of these?"

Especially the last two points: Yellow-ground Blue and White is a layered porcelain: the body is fired in layers, the Glaze Material is pressed in layers, and the colors reflect in layers.

To repair the base body, to repair the Carving Embryo, and to layer the application of the Base Glaze, yellow glaze, and blue and white glaze... just the problem of color difference caused by different brushstrokes affecting the color layers is enough for Lin Sicheng to study for three to five years.

And there are so many units applying for World Heritage status with such strong research capabilities, for example, the Forbidden City and the Shanghai Museum. So, by the time Lin Sicheng learns it, the opportunity will have long passed.

"Professor Shang, I understand!" Lin Sicheng nodded, "But I want to try!"

"Don't listen to Wang Qi Zhi's nonsense; he only has that one mouth on his whole body, and he just blurts out whatever comes to mind!" Shang Yan looked helpless, "Not to mention anything else, just this box of porcelain shards is worth hundreds of thousands!"

"I know!" Lin Sicheng smiled, "But I still want to try?"

"There's no saving you!"

Shang Yan covered her forehead, not knowing what she was thinking, and pointed at the box, "Whose are the porcelain shards?"

Wang Qi Zhi took it for granted: "Of course they are Lin Sicheng's?"

"Good!" Shang Yan smiled, "If he ruins them, you pay!"

Wang Qi Zhi looked bewildered: What kind of logic is this?