Common Patterns and Their Cultural Symbolism in Folk Ceramics: Boya Visiting a Friend with His Zither Boya, a figure from the Spring and Autumn period, was renowned for his exceptional skill in playing the zither. According to Solutions to Yuefu Poetry, Boya studied under Master Cheng Lian for three years but made little progress. Later, he accompanied Cheng Lian to Penglai Mountain in the East Sea, where the roaring waves and the mournful cries of birds deeply moved him. Inspired, he took up his zither and began to play and sing, after which his musical artistry improved dramatically. He befriended Zhong Ziqi, who could perfectly discern the artistic conception of his compositions, such as High Mountains and Flowing Streams. Their friendship became legendary, symbolizing the profound bond between two kindred spirits who understand each other’s hearts and minds.
