Opportunities to seaward, however risky, are more inviting than those on land. The first sign that those opportunities were being exploited is a rapid expansion of population indicated by censuses of the late seventh and eighth centuries. It may have been caused by refugees, attracted by the very inaccessibility of the region and content to farm as best they could on marginal and reclaimed lands. But by the ninth century there are numerous references in documents to the 'trade of the South Sea' on the Fukien coast.

On both sides they will confuse you by explaining that the Dutch gilder is the currency they prefer—a type of coin you are certain to be without.

Today many aspects of craft have been absorbed — minus the reverence — by contemporary art, now considered in its postmedium phase.

You'd better hurry, said Hetty austerely.