Basic Introduction to Tiantan Inkstone
The Tiantan Inkstone, also known as “Pangu Inkstone” or “Panggu Inkstone,” is a precious and unique type of inkstone. It is produced in Jiyuan City, Henan Province, China, primarily sourced from the banks of Panggu Spring on the eastern side of Tiantan Peak in Wangwu Mountain, Jiyuan. Its stone quality is fine and warm, firm yet not brittle, soft yet not spongy, tough yet not hard, smooth yet not slippery, with a color like jade and a sound like that of a wooden fish. This type of inkstone has been beloved by scholars and literati throughout history for its virtues: “firm and moist in quality, smooth in carving, splendid in color, clear in sound, heavy in body, and complete in preservation.”
The Tiantan Inkstone combines the essence of inkstone carving from both southern and northern China, featuring the delicate intricacy of the south and the robust simplicity of the north. It integrates sculpture, painting, and calligraphy, forming a unique artistic style characterized by “shaping according to the stone, crafting according to the material, clever use of colors, and refined subtlety.”
In history, the style of Tiantan Inkstones evolved from the basket-shaped inkstones of the Sui and Tang dynasties to the rectangular hand-copying inkstones of the Song dynasty. An example of a Song dynasty Tiantan Inkstone unearthed in Quzhong Village, Lilen Town, Jiyuan City, measures 14 centimeters long, 8.5 centimeters wide, and 2 centimeters high. The inkstone chamber and ink pool are regular geometric shapes, with smooth, sharp lines and a square shape that contains roundness, achieving unity while rich in variation.
Additionally, among the stone varieties of Tiantan Inkstones, there is a precious type called “Willow Bud Yellow.” This type of stone, which is a unique natural stone native to Jiyuan City, is found in the Panggu and Gengkou inkstone pits and is a tender green color.
Product Features
Stone Texture: The texture of Tiantan Inkstone stones is dense and finely detailed, with characteristics of being firm but not brittle, soft but not spongy, smooth but not slippery, and tough but not hard.
Color and Sound: Tiantan Inkstones have a crystal-like luster resembling jade, with a brilliance akin to amber. They produce ink that is moisturizing and retains its purity, with a clear and crisp grinding sound.
Craftsmanship and Design: In production, Tiantan Inkstones integrate sculpture, painting, and calligraphy, forming a unique artistic style characterized by “shaping according to the stone, crafting according to the material, clever use of colors, and refined subtlety.” Their design is vivid, and the engraving is exquisite.
User Experience: After being made into an inkstone, Tiantan Inkstones produce ink that is rich and moisturizing, retain ink without drying out, accumulate ink without spoiling, do not freeze in winter, do not dry out in summer, and resist insect damage when used for writing and painting.
Cultural Value: Tiantan Inkstones have a deep historical and cultural background, with production dating back to the Eastern Han period. Mass production began during the Kaiyuan era of the Tang dynasty, reaching their peak during the Qing dynasty. The great Song dynasty scholar Su Shi once praised the Tiantan Inkstone.
Geographical Indication Product: Tiantan Inkstones are a Chinese national geographical indication product, produced in Jiyuan City, Henan Province.
Historical and Folklore
Production History: The production of Tiantan Inkstones has a long history, dating back to the Eastern Han period. Mass production began during the Kaiyuan era of the Tang dynasty, reaching their peak during the Qing dynasty. After the Republic of China, production stagnated due to Japanese invasion.
Cultural Value: As a tool for grinding ink for writing and painting, Tiantan Inkstones have been highly praised by scholars and literati throughout history. The great Song dynasty scholar Su Shi once praised the Tiantan Inkstone: “The stone comes from Tiantan, and the pine smoke produces fragrance when ground; though simple and elegant, it exudes refinement and beauty.”
Geographical Indication Product: Tiantan Inkstones are a Chinese national geographical indication product, produced in Jiyuan City, Henan Province. The stone is hidden deep within the fault rocks of Wangwu Mountain in the Taihang Mountains, and several stone pits have been discovered and mined, including Panggu Pit, Tiantan Pit, Inkstone Mountain Pit, and Huanglong Pit, with open-pit mining being the primary method.
Production Techniques: The production of Tiantan Inkstones draws upon the cultural heritage of central China, absorbing the strengths of both southern and northern inkstone carving techniques to form an artistic style characterized by “crafting according to the material, clever use of colors, and refined subtlety.” From searching for stones, selecting them, to carving finished products, over thirty manual techniques are involved, showcasing an artistic charm that rivals nature's own workmanship.
Awards and Honors
In 1986, the Tiantan Inkstone won the Hundred Flowers Award for Arts and Crafts Products in Henan Province.
In 1991, the Tiantan Inkstone was rated as a “Quality Product” by the State Light Industry Department.
In 2003, the Tiantan Inkstone was recognized by the Chinese Association of the Four Treasures of the Study as one of the “Top Ten Famous Inkstones in China.”
In 2011, the Tiantan Inkstone was included in the list of intangible cultural heritage protection in Henan Province.
In 2015, the Tiantan Inkstone was approved by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine and became a “National Geographical Indication Protection Product.”
In the “Root Cultivation and Soul Casting of New People, Cultural Heritage Exhibition of Confidence” selection of outstanding achievements in the inheritance and development of excellent traditional Chinese culture in primary and secondary schools in Henan Province, the project “Integrating Ancient Tiantan Inkstones into Modern Life” submitted by Jiyuan Senior High School won first prize.