"Tree-ear was so called after the mushroom that grew in wrinkled half-circles on dead or fallen tree trunks, emerging from the rotten wood without benefit of parent seed" (Chapter 1, pg. 7.)

"Like most of the potter's villages, Ch'ulp'o had a communal kiln. Set on the hillside just outside the center of the village, it looked like a long, low tunnel made of hardened clay" (Chapter 2, pg. 19)

"He knew that Crane-man had already guessed there would be no rest that day. There was still eight days' work to be done for Min" (Chapter 2, pg. 24.)

"Of one thing he was certain: The feast-day banquets in the palace of the King could never better the modest meal before him, for he had earned it" (Chapter 3, pg. 34.)

"This was his greatest satisfaction. The meals provided by Min's wife were simple, but they never failed to delight his friend, who opened the gourd parcel...