Chapter 191: Bangye Black Pottery Association

When the Yang family's pottery-making tradition died out with the current generation, Yang Shuzhen had originally planned to teach Zhu Feng. However, Zhu Feng, now imprisoned for trading offenses and focused solely on the distillery, showed no interest.

So, when Li Xian proposed establishing a Black Pottery Association and setting up a black pottery factory, gathering the pottery artisans from Bangye and Hailin to work together on this business and provide packaging for Bangye's white liquor, Yang Shuzhen was very pleased.

During this time, the women in Zhumo Village had already been mobilized, focusing on white liquor production. Yang Shuzhen, however, was still at home taking care of the old Zhu family, though she was unwilling.

Hearing that her skills were valued by Li Xian and the idea of expanding them, she became very motivated.

After considering all possible locations in Zhumo Village, Yang Shuzhen decided that having the association at Li Xian's place was ideal. Previously, bricklayers had built a kiln behind the house for repairing tiles, and using those dilapidated houses behind the main building was a perfect setup for a workshop.

Li Xian had no objections and discussed the plan with Yang Shuzhen. He immediately called Liu Weihan to propose his idea of enhancing Bangye white liquor's cultural essence by creating a high-end white liquor line.

Liu Weihan, seeing no reason to oppose, agreed readily—especially since it would not require county funding and could create job opportunities. Moreover, the black pottery's cultural appeal was certainly promising.

With the county's support, many logistical issues were resolved. The next day, a large sign reading "Bangye County Black Pottery Cultural Association" was delivered by the county's publicity department. On the third day, Yang Shuzhen had just cleared out two rows of old houses when some skilled artisans from the county's civil affairs and labor departments arrived.

There were only a dozen or so, all experienced in pottery but older, some claiming to be in their sixties. Li Xian found that some were even older than Li Daoyun.

Considering the production needs, he questioned how many bottles such a small group could produce in a month.

He approached Yang Shuzhen.

"Aunt, this number of people isn't enough."

Yang Shuzhen shared his concern, though she was aware of the situation. Pottery, being a less practical skill in the past, had diminished, especially in Northeast China where more practical items like spittoons and urinals were in greater demand.

This was a hard reality.

"Aunt, is the black pottery technique difficult to learn?" Li Xian asked, seeing her worried expression.

Yang Shuzhen pondered and replied, "It's quite difficult. Choosing clay, molding, shaping, carving, and firing—each step takes months to master. It took over a year for my father to praise my work. I can teach, but I worry you'll be impatient."

Li Xian smiled, "This can be managed…"

...

Li Xian's plan was to train specialized personnel in each step of pottery-making, focusing on producing a team capable of quickly starting production rather than training masters.

Yang Shuzhen was concerned this method might not convey the full essence of the craft, but she agreed with Li Xian's view that the primary goal was to create value for society.

Thus, the Black Pottery Association, through the county labor bureau, issued an apprenticeship advertisement.

While advertising, Yang Shuzhen and the dozen skilled artisans set up a small workshop, starting to produce pottery themselves.

This activity drew the attention of the old men in the house, and Su Ya, who kept the house tidy, also came to see the excitement.

Though Yang Shuzhen had two daughters, she liked Su Ya, who, despite being quiet, was perceptive.

"Child, come here."

Seeing Su Ya watching from a distance with a small cloth, Yang Shuzhen, with muddy hands, beckoned her.

Su Ya pointed to herself, wide-eyed. When Yang Shuzhen nodded with a smile, she approached.

"Do you like it?"

Yang Shuzhen asked as Su Ya came closer, holding her hand and showing her the pottery-in-progress.

Su Ya smiled, looking at the shaped black pottery.

Yang Shuzhen, noticing Su Ya's shyness, encouraged her, "If you want to learn, I can teach you."

Su Ya, shaking her head and mimicking cleaning, indicated she was too busy.

Yang Shuzhen, realizing Su Ya had other tasks, said, "I forgot you have work to do."

However, seeing Su Ya's eyes still fixed on the spinning clay, Yang Shuzhen guided her hands onto the clay.

Feeling the cool, smooth, slightly earthy clay, Su Ya giggled and wriggled.

"Ticklish?" Yang Shuzhen laughed. "When I learned, I felt the same. Clay has its own temperament. You need to work with it. Relax and open your hands."

Su Ya followed the advice, and the clay soon regained its shape.

"Wow," Su Ya said, watching the clay take form, happy.

Under Yang Shuzhen's guidance, Su Ya managed to shape a piece of pottery that, while imperfect, had a rustic charm. Yang Shuzhen then carved a few lines on it, cut it with fishing wire, and fired it. Soon, a slightly crooked but charming black pot was ready.

Seeing the glossy, matte-finished pot in the sunlight, Su Ya clapped and gave a thumbs-up.

"Beautiful, right?" Yang Shuzhen wrapped the hot pot in newspaper. "My father used to say that older black pottery was even more beautiful. Some were as shiny as lacquer or had peacock feather patterns. Now, only this pure black style remains. This one you made yourself—take it as a gift."

Noticing the empty yard, Yang Shuzhen sighed, "The ad went out, but few young people have come. If you have time, visit the workshop. Even if it doesn't become a livelihood, learning the craft is worthwhile."

Su Ya nodded.

At that moment, the association's yard was bustling.

"Chairman Yang! Who is Chairman Yang? We're here to send people to your association!"

Looking back, they saw a crowd of nearly a hundred people, led by a middle-aged man who looked like a leader, entering.