Benxi

Basic Introduction of Liaoyan InkstoneThe 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 ValueThe Liaoyan inkstone should…