The Pillow Book: 9. The delicacy in gaudy things


9. The delicacy in gaudy things

xxxThe tip of a peacock feather. Porcelain spoons in a bowl of ice kachang. The face of a four-metre Guanyin. These are common examples of delicacy in gaudy things.
xxxMore uncommon is the delicacy not found at the edge of things, or in their finish, or at a height, but the opposite. Like the heart’s recognition of a gold Rolex watch.
xxxWhen one could show up the ignorance of an enemy, but refrains, that is delicate too.

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Comments

Anonymous said…
"When one could show up the ignorance of an enemy, but refrains, that is delicate too."

Jee, I have yet to cultivate this sensitivity, I fear.

"When one could not show up the wisdom of a friend, but does so, out of love, that is delicate too."

Is this a gaudy thing? Keep going, there is a lot of April left.
5:44 AM
Jee Leong said…
Delicate and gaudy. Thanks for reading!
11:33 AM
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