Cultural storiesQuannan, southern Jiangxi
Makes leicha in Quannan and shows how separate ingredients become a single mixture.
The story / Tolkusha
Likes working in company and finds a small task for everyone.
Cultural context
Tolkusha / Collection
Tolkusha grinds her portion of leicha: one paw guides the pestle around the mortar's wall, while the other holds the mortar against her apron. The side veil of her liangmao, brought from elsewhere, leaves her face open. This is the personal story of a craftswoman from Quannan; the hat is an object acquired elsewhere, not a claim about a local uniform.
After work, Tolkusha tastes fresh leicha from a small celadon cup. A peach-coloured home shirt, plum trousers and a towel secured at her waist create a distinct domestic silhouette. This is an original scene, not a description of required home dress for all Hakka people.
Tolkusha meets acquaintances in a cobalt ensemble: carrying a bowl of leicha, she steadies a folded napkin with her other paw. Clear colour and narrow trim convey the festive mood; her natural lobe and face remain uncovered.
In an intimate wedding scene, Tolkusha steadies a small white teapot of leicha. A dark dajinshan, wide trousers and plum trim preserve an understated foundation; the particular drink and gesture form an original story, not a required wedding ritual.
Tolkusha shows a polished pestle for leicha, resting it against her apron. Fish and lotus motifs decorate her original outfit, with a tea pouch secured at the waist.
Tolkusha carries a closed tea caddy in a woven sling. Red drapery and an embroidered apron create an original festive outfit, while the free paw invites others to tea.
00 / Original form
A narrow rolled roasted leaf grows above a broad cream head. Black eyes and a short round body make the shape simple and familiar.
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