Inkstone: Explanation: Stationery used for writing calligraphy and grinding ink, mostly made of stone: ~ Taiwan. Pen~. ◎ The old term refers to the relationship between classmates (because the classmate has a pen and inkstone): the same ~. ~Friends. Inkstone: inkstone, grinding equipment. Han Liu Xi's "Reduction of Name·Interpretation of Letters": "Inkstone means grinding; grinding ink makes it moist." Han Xu Shen's "Shuowen" says: "Inkstone means stone is slippery." "Slippery" is trained as "Li" , meaning grinding. Our country has interpreted inkstones as grinding tools since ancient times. Inkstone making in my country has a long history. Ancient inkstones were mostly made of iron, copper, silver, stone, tiles, pottery, mud, jade, lacquer, etc. The earliest inkstone material was probably stone. There are many varieties and different decorations. With the evolution of history, the shapes have their own characteristics and are full of strong flavor of the times. The current production areas are mainly in Zhaoqing, Anhui, Gansu, Ningxia, Shandong, Henan, Hebei and other places in Guangdong. They all have the advantages of fine inkstone, exquisite carving, fast ink generation, no damage to the pen, not easy to dry out and easy to wash. Artists use their skills according to their materials, making full use of the various natural shapes, colors, textures, and transparent stone eyes of inkstones to skillfully carve various inkstones with clear and elegant styles, which can be called the treasures of the study. When was the earliest inkstone produced in China? What is the difference between it and the inkstone we use now? Archaeologists once discovered a set of tools used by primitive people for pottery painting in a primitive society site in Jiangzhai, Lintong County, Shaanxi Province. Among them was a stone inkstone with a cover, a slightly concave surface and a recess. There is also a stone pestle and several pieces of black pigment remaining next to the inkstone. Obviously, this is the shape of early inkstones that the ancestors used to grind pigments with the help of pestles. Since this site belongs to the Yangshao Yihua period during the matrilineal clan period, the actual lifespan of this square inkstone exceeds 5,000 spring and autumn years. When did the shape of an inkstone with a pestle or grinding stone begin to change, that is, the pestle or grinding stone was eliminated, and it became closer to the current inkstone? As far as is known, it was not until the Han Dynasty. Since the invention of artificial ink in the Han Dynasty, ink can be ground directly on an inkstone, so there is no need to use a pestle or grinding stone to grind natural or semi-natural ink. From this point of view, the grinding pestle or grinding stone gradually disappeared after a long journey of more than 3,000 years in prehistory and Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties. Although it is no longer in use today, its contribution to the spread of culture is still indispensable. . In the ancient study room, in addition to the four main stationery items of pen, ink, paper, and inkstone, there were also other matching utensils, which were also an indispensable member of the stationery family. Tu Long of the Ming Dynasty recorded more than 40 kinds of stationery supplies in "Stationery Yabian". The more common ones are: Pen holder: also called pen grid or pen holder, it is used to hold pens. It is often made in the shape of a mountain, and a pen can be placed in the recess. There are also those in the shape of people and animals, or the roots and branches of natural old trees, which are particularly wonderful. Pen holder: Put the pen in it when not in use. There are many materials, including porcelain, jade, bamboo, wood and lacquer. Some are round or square, some are plant-shaped or other shapes. Pen wash: Use the pen to wash away the remaining ink after use. Most of them are bowl-shaped, but also mosaic-leaf-shaped or other shapes. Ink bed: Pause during ink grinding because the ink grinding area is moist and can be used to temporarily hold ink. Ink cartridge: used to store ink ingots. Most of them are lacquer boxes to keep moisture away. The lacquer surface is often painted with gold patterns or inlaid with snails. Paperweight: Also known as bookweight, it is used to press paper or books to keep the paper and writing smooth. Often made into various animal shapes. Water injection: water is poured into the surface of the inkstone for grinding. It is often made into round or square pots with spouts. It is also often made into the shapes of animals such as evil spirits, toads, and roosters. Inkstone drops: also known as water drops and book drops, they store inkstone water for grinding ink. Inkstone box: also called inkstone box, used to house the inkstone. It is better to use purple wood, ebony, watercress and lacquer. Seals: Used in calligraphy and paintings, including name seals, leisure seals, etc., mostly made of Shoushan stone, Qingtian stone, Chang stone, etc., and also copper, jade, ivory seals, etc. Print box: also known as ink pad and ink tank, where ink pad is placed. Most of them are made of porcelain or jade, some are round or square, and they are divided into two parts: cover and body. Brush inkstone: Also known as a pen inkstone, it is used to check the thickness of ink or straighten out the brush strokes. It is often made into a leaf shape. Arm rest: Also known as secret pavilion, arm rest, and wrist pillow, it is a device placed under the arm to prevent ink from staining the hands when writing. They are arched and mostly made of bamboo. Poetry tube: A tool for inserting daily chants and writing behind poems. Most of them are made of bamboo, which means they are elegant and elegant. -------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- Tong "yan" Inkstone, Research----"Hanshu·Ban Chao Biography": "If you dare to do things for a long time, it will take time to write and research."
"Note: "In ancient times, there was no word for inkstone... Wherever you study ink, you don't need an inkstone, but you can do it wherever you can. "(See Volume 23 of "Shierbian") It can be seen that the ancient characters "yan" and "yan" are synonymous. (Excerpted from "Introduction to the Interpretation of Ancient Books" (mimeographed version) by Huang Xianfan, Textbook Department of Guangxi Normal University, February 1962 ; Huang Xianfan's "A Preliminary Study on the Interpretation of Ancient Books - Selected Academic Papers of Huang Xianfan", page 475, Guangxi Normal University Press, July 2004) Inkstone yàn Inkstone