The prodigal ancestor

“This vase dates back to the Yuan dynasty era. Priceless.” exclaimed the exuberant Elend. The visiting Mary smiled politely as she waited for him to continue.

“Is this what you have been searching for? Those emperors sure knew how to live in those days, huh?”

Mary replied – “They sure did. Look at the kanji text carved inside the mouth of the vase. Do you know who actually made the vase?”

Elend, his curiosity now piqued asked – “Who?”

“My slave ancestor.”

Written for Rochelle Wisoff-Field’s Fridayfictioneers .

Author’s note: Slavery in ancient China is a little discussed topic. Slavery in China has taken various forms throughout history. Slavery was reportedly abolished as a legally recognized institution, including in a 1909 law fully enacted in 1910, although the practice continued until at least 1949.

Slavery affected and continues to affect millions in China. Women and children were subject to sexual exploitation. The 2007 Chinese slave scandal involved thousands of slaves, including, thousands of children, who had gone missing and were forced to work in brickyards. Slavery in China also includes domestic servitude and forced begging.(Source: Wikipedia)

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