What are the four treasures of calligraphy?

Pen, ink, paper and inkstone, known as "Four Treasures of the Study", are unique tools in China. They are not only tools for cultural exchange, but also provide a good foundation for the development of calligraphy, painting and other arts. They are constantly improved and perfected in their development, from focusing only on practical value at first, and gradually becoming works of art with both appreciation value. Its production combines poetry, calligraphy, painting, sculpture and other arts, becoming a unique art form, which has always been loved and collected by literati. Because pens, ink, paper and inkstones are all consumables, and they are fragile and difficult to preserve, and there are few handed down products. Ancient pens, ink, paper and inkstones, which have become historical relics, have doubled in value and can be called "treasures among treasures". They are not only painting and calligraphy tools, but also have rich cultural connotations and important historical, artistic and scientific values.

As the main tool of writing and painting, pen played an important role in the social life of ancient China. Cheng Gongxiang in the Western Jin Dynasty said, "Abandoning the Old Pen and Fu": "The merit of governing the world is nothing more than pen, which can promote the shape of all things, make the natural feelings and the aspirations of saints. If you don't write, you can't declare it. It is a great instrument of heaven and earth. " Speak highly of the role of pens. In the long-term application, the pen has been continuously improved, and the improvement of pen-making technology has in turn promoted the development of culture and art. The pen is not only a tool for writing and painting, but also a carrier, bearing rich historical and cultural information.

Ink and ink are indispensable pigments for writing and painting in the five colors. They are widely used and consume the most, so they can become one of Four Treasures of the Study independently of other colors. Its raw materials have developed from natural minerals to man-made products, from practicality to ornamental treasures. In the long process of development, scholars of past dynasties endowed it with rich cultural connotations.

Paper-making, known as one of four great inventions of ancient china, is the contribution of the Chinese nation to human civilization. Before the invention of paper, people recorded stories by piling stones, tying ropes, carving Oracle Bone Inscriptions, signing bamboo and wood, writing books, silks and so on. The efficiency is very low. The invention of paper was a technological revolution, which changed the development of human society. Because materials are easily available and cheap, writing notes on paper is more convenient and quick than on bones, nails, bamboo, wood, silk and other materials, and the content can be more extensive and detailed. Social life information is transmitted through paper, so as to promote culture and spread knowledge.

Inkstone is a traditional learning tool in China. The ancients called it "Jimohou", which shows that it is closely related to Mexico. This inkstone has a long history. Stone mills with traces of pigments were unearthed at Yangshao Cultural Site in Anbanpo, Xi 'an and Jiangzhai, Lintong. This grinder should have been a tool for painting painted pottery at that time, which has been more than 6000 years since. Oracle Bone Inscriptions in Shang Dynasty is mostly authentic, but Zhu Mo's handwriting appeared. A jade palette was unearthed from Fu Hao's tomb in Yin Ruins, with two birds carved at the bottom and boxes on three sides. It has formed the shape of an inkstone and has been artistically processed. Western Zhou jade unearthed in Luoyang, Henan Province? There is a graphite powder, and red pigment remains. Its shape and function have the characteristics of inkstone. There are records of using inkstone in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty in ancient books. Although no physical objects have been unearthed, pens, ink, bamboo slips with ink books and silk paintings with ink paintings have been unearthed in many tombs in the Warring States period, which indirectly proves that the inkstone really used for ink research has been produced at the latest in the Warring States period.