Irony of perfectionism
The potters in the village are striving to perfect their craft for their vases to stand out from the rest. Among the potters, Min and Kang are considered to be much more talented due to their obsession. Min creates multiple replicas of his vases to mitigate any breakages that may occur in the process. Even to the extent of not showing his inlay works to the Royal emissary due to his reservations. However, the irony is based on the fact that his work attains the royal commission through a single shard that barely shows his complete craftsmanship.
Irony of originality
The potters are obsessed with creating original works that display their own ideas on pottery. Furthermore, they are adamant to protect their intellectual property from their competitors. The irony ensues when every potter and apprentice is striving to borrow those skills for themselves. For instance, Kang searches for unique and unorthodox ways to craft his pottery. However, upon revealing his works he inspires other craftsmen to create similar vases. Thus, originality seems to be the mantra of every potter yet imitation is embraced even more by the craftsmen.
Irony of mankind
The narrative illustrates people who strive to create and protect whilst others destroy. Hence highlights that life is unfair as opposing forces will always dwell in humanity. It shows the power of perseverance and determination that occasionally gets undercut by selfish endeavors. Tree-ear is determined to deliver Min’s inlay works that took diligence to create but get destroyed by robbers who do not see their value. This quotation highlights the irony “I will tell you this. Of all the problems you may meet on your journey, it will be people who are the greatest danger. But it will also be people to whom you must turn if ever you are in need of aid. Remember this, my friend, and you will travel well.”
Fragility
In the world of potters, fragility is part of the trade as they make every effort to ensure the robustness of their products. Therefore the skilled potters such as Kang and Min create new techniques to protect their fragile works. Crane-Man also makes straw container to secure the vases from their fragility. The irony is based on the fact that the conflicts in the narrative arise from the breakages of the vases nonetheless.
