A Single Shard

In Ch'ulp'o, a potters' hamlet renowned for its fine celadon porcelain, there dwells an orphan named Tree-ear under a bridge. He has become enthralled with the potter's trade and is eager to see master potter Min in action. He also has aspirations of creating his own pots in the future. Tree-ear is thrilled when Min agrees to be his assistant—that is, until he encounters roadblocks, like the arduous work of excavating and moving clay, Min's irascible temper, and his own incompetence. However, Tree-ear is adamant about proving himself, even if it means walking a great distance alone in the hopes of receiving a royal commission and presenting Min's artwork—even if it means showing up to the royal court with nothing but a single celadon shard to display.