Inkstone

Basic Introduction to Juque InkstoneThe Juque Inkstone is one of the "Four Famous Inkstones" in China. It combines the advantages of the ancient "Four Famous Inkstones" of China. The stone for the Juque Inkstone is quarried from cliffs along the Jinsha River in the southwestern Sichuan Province (in Pingdi Town and Dalongtan Township, Renhe District, Panzhihua City). This place was historically known as "Juque," hence the name Juque Inkstone. Product CharacteristicsThe Juque Inkstone combines the advantages of both Duan and She inkstones. Its carving techniques include shallow relief, hollowing, round carving, deep engraving, thin carving, and undercutting, forming a rich and diverse style that is both substantial and vibrant. The stone has a rich variety of colors, with particularly notable green jade-like "stone eyes" that are highly prized. Known also as the Chinese Colored Inkstone, it features the extremely lustrous "Jintian Yellow," which is golden in color, and the "Fengxue Red," which is white on the outside like clear snow and red within like cinnabar. The stone of the Juque Inkstone is finely textured, smooth and oily when used for grinding ink, capable of preserving ink without spoiling, durable yet gentle on brushes, can be moistened with a breath, and…

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…

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…