A while ago, I was asked to speak at a Ladies tea. All of the ladies were receiving their own unique teacup and saucer to take home. The coordinator's vision was that the ladies would know that they are Beautifully made, vessels made by HIM, serving unique purposes but all important.
I immediately began to research and study about china. I found the process of how Lenox China is made. (in the USA). It was so intriguing to me.
There are 4 elements used: Earth (Clay), Wind (Blowing the molds), Water (the Washing), Fire (the kilns.)
Then the process goes something like this:
Casting process:
Fill It, Let it sit, Remove the excess, Release the mold, Smooth the mold.
Now ready to be fired in the kiln. (About 20% of the china breaks or cracks during this phase)
Then it gets a Bath.
Then it gets polish with smooth stone and water to remove any rough exterior.
Then a dishwasher & dryer.
Then inspection.
Then preheated for Glazing.
Now back in the fire for the Glossing.
Now it can be decorated. (Decals or precious metals, gold platinum or both)
Final Inspection: (If it doesn't pass it gets..)
Destroyed
Marked as Second and sold in an outlet
Fixed and sent through inspection
Typically we lock up our China in a display cabinet and take out for special uses, but China is actually quite tough after all the processes. I loved this picture of 4 teacups holding a car.
Another discovery I made was that bone china is not a brand. It really contains bones! Usually cow bones, but if you have Spode china, it may contain human bones. Cremated relative? Turn them into a teacup (gasp)!
I also came across a process called "Kintsugi," the Japanese art of fixing broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver or platinum. As a philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of the object, rather than something to disguise.
The phrase "Wabi Sabi" centers around accepting IMPERFECTION.
As women especially, we focus on our imperfections and assume they are handicaps. However, God can use you IN your imperfections, and HE is sure to get the glory!
For we preach NOT ourselves! When you're broken, it's hard to hold things for yourself. Things naturally and constantly are being poured from you!
I wrote this poem to describe my feelings about the process that the MASTER sometimes puts us through. That HE in all things may be glorified!
KINTSUGI: a Broken Chosen Vessel by Lori Green
I was shapened in the Master's mold,
Made from the finest ingredients.
The beauty of His design was shown,
I was created in His image.
But I lacked the strength to hold any weight,
So from the mold I was taken,
To be fired with the hottest heat,
And withstand it without breaking,
Just when I thought I couldn't take it,
The fire suddenly lost its glow.
Some of those around me sat broken,
But I just tried to just hold on.
Taken from fire I sat still and numb ,
Maybe now I was changed.
And I could be used by someone,
But instead I was taken to another phase.
The running water had a thunderous sound,
As it washed me through and through.
I felt so clean all around.
I felt happy I felt new.
Then I was taken to a special place,
The temperature was just right.
I was given a glossy, glamorous glaze.
I glistened in the light.
Surely now I could be used!
I've been fired, glossed and cleansed.
But my deepest fears became true,
When I saw the fire heat up again.
I began to feel the heat,
As I slowly drew near.
This would be the death of me,
It would destroy me I feared.
It hurt. It burned. Pain seeped so deep.
I've never felt such suffering.
"Why me? Why now?" I said aloud.
"Do you care? Do You even hear me?"
I was too weary to even hear it,
When the fire was finally over.
I just hoped the end was nearing,
And that I wasn't totally broken.
I knew if i could just make it through,
I would finally be chosen.
Then I would be able to be used,
In the hands of a real person.
Then I passed inspection,
What a happy day for me!
Off to the artist for decoration,
And then finally I'd be free.
I caught a glimpse as we passed a glass,
How beautiful I had become!
I was truly a touch of class,
A work of art well done.
I was ready to be shipped for use,
When suddenly the box opened.
Then I was gently removed,
As the master said, "This One is Chosen."
It must have been my great design,
Or perhaps my form and shape,
Or maybe the gloss and glaze that shined,
Or maybe the artist's paint
Everything that I had been through,
It would now be worth it all.
The Master was taking me to,
His great works display hall.
I traveled in all of my splendor,
To a place quite dull and quaint.
Perhaps it was a little detour,
Before the Master put me on display.
Then He carefully released me,
Someone approached me with a large hammer.
Then the master let them break me,
And I was crushed forever.
"I don't understand this at all,
Why have I been through so much?
I should be in the display hall,
How could you ever allow such?"
"I thought you loved me and you had a plan!
Is this what you planned all along?
Just to build me up to tear me down,
To leave me all alone?"
But silently the master kept working on me,
I was under so much stress.
He glued me back piece by piece,
But now I looked a mess.
Why would people want to see me on display,
When I've been so cracked and broken?
Then I heard the Master say,
"Remember you were Chosen".
I wanted to be a chosen piece,
And I saw he was up to something.
So I began to let Him rearrange me.
And I started learning just to trust Him.
Then one day He was finally through.
Although I had been shattered,
I was put on display to view,
For the Only One that mattered.
I was just another broken vessel story,
I didn't think many people would care.
But it turns out that the Master received great glory,
For the work of art he shared.
So here I stand before you.
I'm nothing of my own.
But I can do all things through,
The one to whom I belong!
Lori Green
