How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"The hands of the artificer," Paul said, "had wu, and allowed that wu to flow into this piece. Possibly he himself knows only that this piece satisfies. It is complete, Robert. By contemplating it, we gain more wu ourselves. We experience the tranquility associated not with art but with holy things." (11.89)
Paul's special power is to be an open-minded appreciator. He likes jazz, science fiction, American literature, scrimshaw, etc. By appreciating things, he also appreciates the people who make those things, as he notes here. This feeling of wu flows from the maker to the thing to the viewer. Now compare that sort of appreciation with Childan's, whose appreciation of things usually stops when he sees dollar signs.
Quote #8
"The men who made this," Childan said, "are American proud artists. Myself included. To suggest trashy good-luck charms therefore insults us and I ask for apology." (11.178)
Or rather, this is Childan's approach until Paul helps him to see the worth of this contemporary American art. Compare this comment to our first quote. There, Childan was proud of being able to satisfy his customers. But here, he's taking a stand against his customer and declaring his pride in the skill of the American jewelry-makers.
Quote #9
"Part of personal collection," Mr. Tagomi said. "Much fooled around in vainglorious swift-draw practicing and firing, in spare hours. Admit to compare favorably with other enthusiasts in contest-timing. But mature use heretofore delayed." Holding the gun in correct fashion he pointed it at the office door. And sat waiting. (12.89)
Tagomi is better at waiting than Baynes. Seriously, Tagomi's main actions (so far) in the book were waiting and consulting the I Ching. But here we get to see a different side of Tagomi. We usually see him in his office, thinking about work. Here he notes how much skill he has in his hobby. It's a little thing, but it's a reminder that Tagomi has a whole life outside of the office that we never see.