Spiral-pattern Inkstone

Spiral-pattern Inkstone

　　Shanqingshan Mountain is abundant in spiral-pattern stones, whose veins resemble silk threads. Mining of these stones began as early as the first year of the Dali era during the Tang Dynasty (766 AD), and they were crafted into inkstones known as Spiral-pattern Inkstones. According to the *Yushan County Annals* from the Qing Dynasty’s Tongzhi era: “Among the stones, those that are bluish with white streaks and have straight, fine patterns are found in Shaxiling. They are suitable for making inkstones. Zhu Xi (also known as Zhu Hui) referred to them as Huaiyu Inkstones.” The Spiral-pattern Inkstone has a dense structure, with veins like rippling water. Its surface gleams, and when breathed upon, it forms beads of moisture. When submerged in water, it becomes moist like jade. This type of inkstone produces fine and quick foam, does not mix powder into the ink even after prolonged use, and retains water without drying out.

Yushan County has an Inkstone Factory, as well as Inkstone Factories in Bimu and Linhu Townships, along with a County Arts and Crafts Factory that specializes in producing Spiral-pattern Inkstones. A wide variety of products are made, with shapes including square, round, and oval, among others. In terms of craftsmanship, they can be divided into two main categories: plain inkstones and carved inkstones. Plain inkstones come in specifications such as rectangular inkstones, square ink reservoirs, round ink reservoirs, round spouts, round boxes, and half-moon shapes. These plain inkstones are affordable and of good quality, making up the bulk of production, with hundreds of thousands of units exported and sold domestically each year. The carved inkstones produced are regarded as essential tools in the studios of literati and calligraphers. The carving techniques have evolved from relief carving and shallow engraving to intaglio, and further developed into exquisite three-dimensional carving, earning high praise from experts both in China and abroad. In the 1980s, annual production exceeded 100,000 units. Aside from being popular in the domestic market, they were also exported to Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States.