An ink stone is necessary if one wants to use traditional ink stick. As its name suggests, most ink stones are made of stone. The stone used must be whetted materials so to protect the brush and facilitate the grinding of the ink stick. In some ancient ruins, archaeologists discovered simple stone ink-slab that needed a pestle to grind pigments. After the appearance of artificial ink-sticks in Han Dynasty, pestle gradually disappeared. Ink stone is extremely duable. In ancient times, artisans would have their names or other words engraved on their ink stones to be passed on to their future generations.

 

Considering the reverence traditionally educated Chinese scholars had for the brush and ink, their interest in the inkstone was even greater. The inkstone, which was used to grind the ink, was considered the very soul of a scholars library.  These stones were selected with the greatest of care and were often decorated with elaborate symbols or literary phrases thought to encourage the scholars production of higher sentiments.  While there are many exceptions, most inkstones are rectangular or rounded.  Most are in fact made of stone but examples of pottery also exist.  The definitive work on this subject is probably Mi Fus Yen shih or Account of Inkstones.  This work gives the proper name for all portions of the Inkstone and sets out the various characteristics of Inkstones and their use.  Later but also fascinating works on Inkstones include the Yen lin or Forest of Inkstones by Yu Huai, which was written in the 1600s.  This was followed by  Pao yen tang yen pien or Discussion of Inkstones from the Hall of Treasured Inkstones by Ho Chuan-yao and Tuan his yen shih or Account of Tuan His Stones by Wu Lan-hsui, both of which were published in the 1830s.

 

Inkstones are an acquired taste like several other facets of Chinese culture.  They are generally black or dark in color and do not draw the attention of the eye.  Their beauty oftentimes is not so much in how they look but in how they work together with the ink and the paper and brush to achieve a particular color or texture.  However, for those fortunate enough to have learned to master the brush, ink, inkstone and paper, the four precious things of the library are a passion.  Holding an antique inkstone, it is hard not to feel the power that emanated from the previous painter or scholar who possessed this stone.  For this reason, inkstones are avidly collected and treasured by Chinese and some foreigners.  Prices vary greatly and are often based on stories as to prior owners, which are difficult if not impossible to verify.

 

 

• home|
• Link Us |
• Contact Us|

2007-2008 all right reaserved