Characters
The character who lives under the bridge and why he lives there.
Who is Crane man that lives under the bridge because he is homeless and disabled?
This orphaned boy lives under a bridge and dreams of learning the art of pottery.
Who is Tree-Ear?
This very hot oven is used to fire and harden pottery.
What is a kiln?
This decorative technique involves carving designs into clay and filling them with white or black slip before glazing.
What is inlay?
This theme is best represented when Tree-ear continues his journey to Songdo even after the robbers destroy Min’s pottery.
What is perseverance?
The man who traveled to find the best potter and give them royal commissions
Who is the emissary?
This type of beautiful green-glazed pottery is highly valued and made in Ch’ulp’o.
What is celadon?
This type of green-glazed pottery is famous in Ch’ulp’o and highly prized.
What is celadon?
This liquid coating is applied to pottery before firing to give it color and shine.
What is glaze?
This broken piece represents hope and proof that even something small or damaged can still hold great value.
What does the Single shard symbolize?
The reason Min originally said no to teaching Tree-ear the ways of pottery
What is because Tree-ear is not his son?
This master potter reluctantly allows Tree-ear to work for him and is known for his strict personality.
Who is Min?
This word describes someone who works for a skilled person in order to learn a trade.
What does apprentice mean?
The flower that Tree-ear saw Kang etching into clay cups
What is Chrysanthemums?
By the end of the novel, this character grows from a curious orphan into a responsible and honorable apprentice.
How does Tree-ear change?
The name that Min's wife asked Tree-ear to call her and it's meaning
What is Ajima, meaning Auntie?
This special order from the palace requires potters to create their finest work to earn a government seal.
What is the Royal Commission?
In the novel, this word means a special order given by the royal court to create pottery.
What does commission mean?
The one thing that Prunus vases are made for
What is a single plum blossom branch?
Through Tree-ear’s choices and honesty, the author shows that this character trait matters more than success or recognition.
What is the importance of integrity?
The name of Min's son who passed away as a child from a fever
What is Hyung-gu?
This broken piece of pottery becomes the only evidence Tree-ear has to prove Min’s work was worthy after the vases are destroyed on his journey to Songdo.
What is a single shard?
This word describes the official messenger sent from the palace to inspect the potters’ work.
What does the emissary mean?
This watery mixture of clay is used in the inlay process to fill carved designs before the pottery is glazed and fired.
What is slip?
This decision shows that Min recognizes Tree-ear’s loyalty, courage, and dedication rather than just his skill.
Why does Min accept Tree-ear as his apprentice?