The Birth of Inkstone Styles
An inkstone, or "yan" in Chinese, is a tool used for grinding inksticks into ink. Hence, the basic functions and structure of an inkstone consist of a grinding surface called the "yan tang" and an ink reservoir called the "mo chi" or "inkwell." Inkstones are primarily made of stone or refined clay. Now that you have this information, you can imagine what an inkstone might look like.
The Imagination of Inkstone Materials
Scholar Su Shi said that when he was twelve years old, while playing a game of digging in the vicinity of his residence, he once found a stone that was suitable for use as an inkstone. In this regard, the Inkstone material has great possibilities, considering the basic requirements of "easy ink dispersion." It would be even more ideal if the material also meets the criteria of beautiful stones. Have you ever considered using the wrist cushion for Chinese medical treatment or the roof tiles of a house as inkstones? And how can beautiful stones, such as jade or agate, transform into inkstones?
Jade inkstone with plum branch decoration- 17th century, Ming to Qing dynasty
Porcelain pillow-shaped inkstone in yellow glaze- Tang dynasty (618-907)
