Basic Introduction of Liaoyan Inkstone
The Liaoyan inkstone, along with the Duan and Huai inkstones, is known as one of China's three famous inkstones. It is uniquely produced in Benxi, Liaoning Province, China. The unique geological formations, shaped over millions of years, have given rise to two types of rare stones: brownish-red and bluish-green, also known as Ziyun stone (purple cloud stone) and Qingyun stone (green cloud stone). These stones are renowned for their qualities of being “smooth yet not causing ink to run, slightly rough but not damaging the brush, and capable of preserving ink better than any other inkstone.” This provides invaluable natural resources for the creation and carving of Liaoyan inkstones. On the blueish-green stone, there are naturally occurring reddish-purple veins that resemble red clouds on a blue sky, captured within the inkstone, evoking imagination and poetic inspiration. It has been cherished by scholars and literati throughout history. General Zhang Xueliang, together with his mentor Bai Yongzhen, composed a poem praising the Liaoyan inkstone: “Rare treasures open in the mountains east of the Pass, blue skies and red clouds condensed in the stone. Skilled craftsmen carve the Liaoyan inkstones, treasures unique to Sibaozhai.”
Nutritional Value
The Liaoyan inkstone should not merely be seen as a tool among the four treasures of the scholar's study for grinding ink; rather, it should be appreciated for its cultural significance. Each inkstone is crafted according to the natural patterns of the stone, preserving traditional themes while not being bound by them. The works are grand in scale, with dramatic contrasts and vivid colors, emphasizing their aesthetic appeal and practical use. They combine artistry, poetry, and painting into a single piece, each telling a story. Attention is paid to both intricate details and overall rhythm and momentum, resulting in pieces that are meticulously crafted and visually striking. The task of preserving and promoting the Liaoyan inkstone tradition is significant and requires the involvement of many people. We hope that all descendants of the Liaoyan community, as well as government officials and members of society, will take an active interest in supporting and protecting this cultural heritage. Only through collective effort can we ensure the continued flourishing of the Liaoyan inkstone.
Product Features
In order to promote national culture and further develop Liaoyan, a unique local product, the Liaoyan Factory in Benxi City selects high-quality raw materials, gathers talented carvers and designers from around the country, and seeks expert guidance to begin a series of Liaoyan carvings. In the production process, traditional craftsmanship is combined with modern design, ancient motifs with contemporary creative technologies, ensuring that the carving techniques of engraving, hollowing, and piercing are exquisite, retaining the beauty of tradition while imbuing the works with a modern spirit. As a result, the Liaoyan inkstone, a treasure of China, shines brilliantly once again!
Historical Folklore
The Liaoyan inkstone gained prominence during the Liao and Jin dynasties and has a history spanning over a thousand years. According to legend, it was highly favored by Empress Dowager Xiao and designated as the imperial inkstone. By the Qing dynasty, the use of these unique stones extended beyond inkstone carving to include screens, snuff boxes, and other decorative and functional items. It is said that when the Qing dynasty's founding ancestor, Nurhaci, became lost during a hunt, he encountered a village where the ground was paved with bluish-red stones, creating a sense of a hidden paradise. He asked a knowledgeable elder about the stones, who identified them as the renowned Liaoyan inkstone material. The elder, skilled in carving, presented some precious inkstones to the emperor, who was delighted with them. Following this, Liaoyan inkstones gained wider recognition. Under Nurhaci's command, the elder carved a landscape screen, which is now housed in the Shenyang Imperial Palace. In 1929, General Zhang Xueliang ordered the collection of Liaoyan inkstones to participate in the first West Lake Exposition in China. At that time, Liaoyan inkstones were as famous as Duan inkstones, with the saying “Duan inkstones in the south, Liaoyan inkstones in the north.” In 1978, when Deng Xiaoping visited Japan, he brought four Liaoyan inkstones as gifts, which the Japanese referred to as “national treasures” of China. Deng happily remarked, “Liaoyan inkstones are special envoys of Chinese friendship.” In early 1998, a Ming dynasty nobleman's tomb, buried underground for five or six hundred years in Wafangdian City, was unearthed. Among the numerous burial objects, two beautifully carved dragon and phoenix inkstones stood out. Astonishingly, when the lids were opened, the ink inside could still moisten the tip of a writing brush. The bottom of each inkstone bore the inscription “Made by Ziyun Sai.” According to experts, this “Ziyun Sai” refers to the old name of today's Qiaotou Village in Benxi during the Ming dynasty.
Authenticity Identification of Liaoyan Inkstones
Liaoyan stone, also known as line stone, is a type of limestone sedimentary rock formed through millions of years of geological changes and sedimentation. The green color comes from algae, and the purple from silt. To identify the authenticity of Liaoyan inkstones, one can examine the color, carving, and the stone itself.
Firstly, line stone is characterized by alternating layers of purple and green with subtle transitions. The green layers may contain small brownish-black spots, and there might be slight parallel color variations between the purple and green due to sedimentation.
Secondly, Liaoyan carving techniques typically involve shallow relief and deep relief, occasionally incorporating hollow carving and round carving. These intricate methods are difficult to replicate through molds used for counterfeiting.
Thirdly, due to the unique properties of the stone, irregular circular patterns form on the surface of the work.