Baoxing Tribute Inkstone

Baoxing Tribute Inkstone

　　Produced in Waipang, Baoxing County, the Waipang inkstone is known as the “Tribute Inkstone.” Legend has it that during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty, a stonemason named Deng Gongwen from Baoxing County spent three years crafting a “Nine Dragons Spouting Jade” stone inkstone for the Tibetan chieftain Danzi Jiangchu. The inkstone boasted exquisite carving, a solid material, and beautiful grain. The chieftain traveled a great distance to present the inkstone to the capital and offered it on the emperor’s desk. After trying it, Emperor Daoguang loved it immensely and praised it repeatedly. As a result, the handcrafted stone inkstones from Baoxing became known as “Tribute Inkstones.” In 1936, Qi Baishi, accompanied by two disciples, traveled across famous mountains and rivers, and he commented on the “Baoxing Tribute Inkstone”: “The rising star following Duan and She inkstones.” In November 1984, experts from Beijing Rongbaozhai appraised the Waipang inkstone and concluded: “The stone is tough and fine, producing a metallic sound when struck. It excels in ink release, resembling the quality of She inkstones, making it excellent stone material for inkstone making.”