## Lesson Five: Techniques, December 23, 1981 ### I. Tools for Processing and Handling Details Must Be Made Creatively: Our production tools are not fixed and unchanging. Because our products are quite varied and their forms differ, the corresponding tool requirements also differ. To do good work, one must know how to make tools. Knowing how to make tools for handling details requires everyone to use their minds, so that the tools made are both labor-saving and effective when used. ### II. Regarding the Technical Structure and Treatment of Different Varieties: Figure 1 shows the internal structure of the "Yunyankao" lid. This treatment is unreasonable—it wastes labor and is unnecessary. As shown in the diagram, the interior of the flange is made with two steps, which is unnecessary. It can be done entirely without the stepped form, as shown by the dotted line. This is because Figure 1 differs from the teapot lid in Figure 2. If the flange in Figure 2 were not made with steps, it would be carved through. In order to achieve the purpose of increasing thickness, using a stepped treatment is more reasonable and also adds aesthetic appeal. From this we can see that artistic treatment must be reasonable. One should not mechanically copy and apply methods rigidly, which would be self-defeating through excessive cleverness.