Inkstone is a traditional handicraft with a long reputation in China. It is an essential tool for China's calligraphy. The inkstone is not only the stationery of the study, but also a rare collection of literati in past dynasties because of its solid nature and immortality.
In addition, the materials of inkstone are rich and varied. Besides Taohe Stone, Duanshi Stone, Flint Stone, Chengni Stone, Crocodile Stone, Strange Stone and Chrysanthemum Stone, there are dozens of inkstones, such as jade inkstone, jade miscellaneous inkstone, tile inkstone, lacquer sand inkstone, iron inkstone and porcelain inkstone.
Besides inkstones, China also produced some inkstones made of other raw materials. In Han Dynasty, there were tile inkstone, pottery inkstone, jade inkstone, iron inkstone and lacquer inkstone. There were wooden inkstones, porcelain inkstones and bronze inkstones in Jin Dynasty. There were mud inkstones in the Tang Dynasty; In Song Dynasty, there were crystal inkstones, stone inkstones, brick inkstones and natural inkstones. There were fossil inkstones in Ming dynasty; There was paper and inkstone in Qing dynasty; Now there is a rubber inkstone.