Dublin Core
Title
Duan Inkstone (端硯)
Subject
Chinese Calligraphy
Writing Tools
Calligraphy Tools
Four Treasures of the Study
Stone Mortar
Ink Container
Inkstone
Tang Dynasty (唐朝）
Description
Duan stone is a volcanic tuff, commonly of a purple to a purple-red color. There are various distinctive markings, due to various rock materials imbedded in the stone, that create unique designs and stone eyes (inclusions) which were traditionally valued in China.
Duan inkstones are extremely solid, smooth and fine, and is said to be the most valuable type of inkstones. The ink that is grinded from Duan inkstones are usually of high quality, is easy to write with and long-lasting.
During the Song Dynasty, the emperor commanded that the government officials from Guangdong are not to bring the Duan stone into the capital without prior authorisation, showing how valuable the stone is.
Duan inkstones are extremely solid, smooth and fine, and is said to be the most valuable type of inkstones. The ink that is grinded from Duan inkstones are usually of high quality, is easy to write with and long-lasting.
During the Song Dynasty, the emperor commanded that the government officials from Guangdong are not to bring the Duan stone into the capital without prior authorisation, showing how valuable the stone is.
Date
Tang Dynasty Wude (唐朝武德）
Relation
Chengni Inkstone (澄泥硯)
She Inkstone (歙硯)
Tao Inkstone (洮硯)
Format
Made of volcanic tuff, commonly of a purple to a purple-red color.
Type
Physical Object
Identifier
duaninkstone
Spatial Coverage
Duan stones can be found in Guangdong's Zhaoqing city (廣東肇慶), Zhaoqing was called Duanzhou (端州) in ancient China, hence the name Duan stone.
Instructional Method
When grinding ink, cold water should be used instead of hot water or tea.
Geolocation
Item Relations
| This Item | Relation | Item: Chengni Inkstone (澄泥硯) |
| This Item | Relation | Item: Tao Inkstone (洮硯) |
| This Item | Relation | Item: She Inkstone (歙硯) |