Section 2: Reaching Distant Lands Mr. Peters: Now this is an unusual plate. Mr. Yi: Oh, it's not so unusual. We paint designs that the customers order or that we think they will want to buy. This plate shows a European gentlemen on the left and his young servant on the right. Mr. Peters: I can see that. But what are they doing? Mr. Yi: Mr. Peters, we do not always understand European customs. I had hoped that you could tell me. Mr. Peters: Now Mr. Yi, here's something your craftsmen can learn from ours—how to paint people so that they look real. Why, we have painters who can create paintings so real you think they are going to talk! These don't look like real people at all. Mr. Yi: Our artists are not interested in copying nature. They would rather be part of carrying on a tradition than fooling nature. Painting people this way is part of our tradition. Mr. Peters: Well, these two men are strange to me too. They must be from the colonies. But I understand this other colorful platter with the coat of arms. Is it for the governor of the Dutch islands of Malacca in Indonesia? Mr. Yi: You are exactly right! We make much of the china used by the greatest families of the greatest lands all over the world! A set of china like this might have more than 200 separate pieces in it: plates, platters, cups, saucers, and dishes for foods I have never eaten (and hope I never eat!). You name it, we make it. Mr. Peters: This interests me very much. I think I will be able to sell many pieces of your special china at home in England and in our colonies. Mr. Yi: We could even paint your portrait! Mr. Peters: That is flattering, but no, thank you. I do not want to look as strange as these two gentlemen here. But perhaps a special portrait of our good King George III will be a top seller.