In his work The Human Word on Poetry, Mr. Wang Guowei outlines three realms for those who have achieved great careers and scholarly pursuits. When it comes to ancient Chinese artifacts, there are also three levels of splendor. Ancient objects are a testament to the ingenuity of human craftsmanship, each one exquisitely crafted. Classical culture is vast and profound, and the spirit embodied in these objects is worth contemplating.

Song Dynasty literati had a fondness for ancient bronze vessels. In his poem "New Flowers," Wang Anshi of the Northern Song Dynasty said: "If ancient objects are collected but not enjoyed, how can they be called antiques?" I have a passion for objects but am not skilled in floral artistry. Influenced by flower enthusiasts, I would casually arrange flowers from my garden and find joy in doing so. This demonstrates his love for ancient bronze vessels; once collected, they should not be left idle for too long but rather used and cherished—this is the true spirit of objects.

The Song people had a specific term for appreciating ancient objects: “bogu,” which not only refers to the appreciation of ancient artifacts but also implies an understanding of both past and present. Classical culture has influenced people throughout history and continues to shape contemporary perspectives on the spirit of objects.

Ma Weidu, a frequent speaker on CCTV-s 100 Lectures, once said in an interview: "No matter how much culture one possesses within, sometimes it must be expressed through material means."

While Westerners were still immersed in revelry, battles, and conquests, the Chinese had already mastered the creation of objects to facilitate daily life. The emergence of such objects also marked the spread of classical culture, exemplified by music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and other literary forms that have endured through the ages.

Literati expressed their love for life and their leisurely lifestyle through music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and other literary works, resulting in many famous creations. Classical culture needs to be passed down, as it reflects the lives of ancient literati and scholars.

The spirit of objects ultimately resides in the heart. For literati, their interest in objects is not something that manifests gradually but is a lifelong passion.

Good objects should possess humility, honesty, and durability. Art becomes more beautiful as it approaches the ideal, while craft becomes more beautiful as it approaches practicality. Daily use fosters an inseparable bond. The beauty of objects lies in their health, without any sense of rebellion, ostentation, or self-importance.

Handcrafted items are today a rare and expensive luxury for good reason. As industrialization and copycat culture saturate our world, the dedication to craftsmanship is a precious rarity.

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