Nine-Layer Boshan Furnace (Part Two)

"Ding Huan?"

Zhu Dafu and Qiao Qingtai were slightly stunned. After thinking it over, they truly felt that the person represented by the statue might very well be Ding Huan. According to historical records, among the skilled craftsmen of the Han Dynasty, only he could rival Lu Ban.

If the statue was very likely Ding Huan, then this Boshan furnace before them...

"Gasp! Could this be the legendary nine-layer Boshan furnace?" Qiao Qingtai drew in a sharp breath and said with a look of shock.

"It's possible. It really is possible!" Zhu Dafu and Meng Yixian nodded excitedly again and again. Although Chu Chen had known the object's value long ago, seeing the actual item with his own eyes still left him quite excited.

During the Western Han, exquisitely carved bronze Boshan incense burners were not uncommon. They were occasionally discovered in the tombs of princes, nobles, and high-ranking officials that had been excavated. Among them, the most exquisite bean-shaped Boshan furnace was undoubtedly the gilt Boshan furnace unearthed from the tomb of Liu Sheng, the Prince of Zhongshan Jing.

The upper part of that Boshan furnace and its lid formed overlapping layers of mountain peaks. Though it did not have nine layers, it had at least six or seven. Trees and divine beasts dotted the peaks, while tigers and leopards prowled among them. There were also hunters carrying bows and crossbows as they chased wild boars. Most strikingly, the artist had carved a number of agile monkeys, some perched high atop the peaks and others riding on the backs of beasts, adding even more vitality to the work.

The entire furnace was decorated with inlaid gold. Its lines were strong and flowing, varying from thick to fine. The thinnest were nearly as fine as strands of hair. The craftsmanship