The Master / Joshua Alan Sturgill
A messenger was sent from the king to the most renowned maker of teapots in the kingdom.
“For his morning tea, the King requires the most sublime teapot from the master of ceramic arts,” announced the messenger as he entered the workshop and gazed in awe at the hundred teapots on display, each unique and each flawless.
The master rose and bowed to the messenger. Then, taking a sponge, he let fall three drops of water into a pot, lifted the pot to his ear and shook it gently.
He frowned, seeming unsatisfied. He repeated this ritual with another.
Then another.
Then another.
Finally, when he had finished shaking and listening to them all, he smiled and selected one to wrap carefully and present to the messenger.
“Master,” said the messenger, “please explain why you added three drops of water to each of them, and why you shook them.”
The master replied, “Refined porcelain, perfectly fired and glazed, rings like a bell at the gentlest touch. I shook each teapot and listened to its tone as water splashed inside. This is the one with the purest harmony.”
Astounded, the messenger accepted the teapot with reverence and delivered it with great ceremony to the king.
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