1, different materials: Qiyang inkstone is mainly produced in Qiyang, Hunan Province, and is made of special rock, which has the characteristics of hardness, fineness, wear resistance and good water absorption. Duanyan is made of minerals, timely or granite, and its common producing areas are Shexian County in Anhui Province and Longquan in Zhejiang Province.
2. Different shapes: Qiyang inkstone is oval, concave in the middle and slightly higher around, which looks like the bottom of a ship, so it is also called "ship inkstone". Guangdong inkstone is rectangular or square, with flat sides and a depression in the middle. The common ones are stone drums and dragon and tiger mountain inkstones.
3. Usage: Qiyang inkstone is suitable for practicing calligraphy, especially regular script and running script. Because of its good water absorption, it can keep pen and ink moist and facilitate writing. Duanyan has high hardness and is suitable for meticulous painting, such as Mei Zhu Lan Ju in calligraphy, which can accurately express details and lines.