Xiushui Zhayan Inkstone

Xiushui Zhayan Inkstone

　　The “Zhayan” inkstone gets its name from the predominantly reddish-brown hue of the stone. Wan Chengfeng, a native of Xiushui who served as a tutor to Emperor Daoguang of the Qing Dynasty, once presented this inkstone to the emperor, who was delighted and regarded it as a treasured item. It was later listed as a tribute item, hence also known as the “Tribute Inkstone.” The Xiushui Zhayan Inkstone features a reddish-brown base, inlaid with emerald green, and often includes streaks resembling chicken blood. It releases ink fluidly, retains water without drying out, resists freezing in cold weather, and maintains ink writing clarity over time without damaging the brush tip. Highly praised by calligraphers and painters, the Zhayan inkstone comes in two main categories: plain inkstones and carved inkstones. There are over twenty varieties and specifications of plain inkstones, while carved inkstones are divided into three grades—high, medium, and low—with more than three hundred pattern designs. In 1984, the Zhayan inkstone was exhibited at the National Stationery and Four Treasures Fair, earning praise from experts and attracting competitive orders from foreign merchants. In 1985, the “Three-Dimensional Longevity Turtle Inkstone” received a new product certificate from Jiujiang City. In 1987, Professor Huang Yi, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Calligraphers Association, inscribed the following praise for the Xiushui Zhayan Inkstone: “The touch is fine yet not slippery, the ink flows quickly yet not coarsely.” (Jiujiang)