Wutai Mountain Inkstone

Wutai Mountain Inkstone

　　　　Commonly known as "Tai Inkstone," it is also called Wenshan Stone Inkstone because the stone material is quarried from Wenshan.

　　The stone used for Wutai Mountain Inkstones comes in four colors: black, green, red, and purple. Black as lacquer, green as leaves, red as cinnabar, and purple as liver — the colors are pure and aesthetically pleasing. The production of these inkstones began in the Ming Dynasty, with varieties including Duan Inkstone, Feng Inkstone, and Guo Inkstone. The stone patterns of Tai Inkstones resemble the frost-defying pine branches and cypress leaves of Wutai Mountain, robust yet airy, firm yet gentle; the texture is delicate yet not slippery, silent when tapped, cool as ice; they produce ink quickly, allow for smooth blending of ink and water, with ideal gradation, and the ink does not dry out easily. Writing with them feels natural and enhances brushwork, making them highly favored by scholars, writers, and calligraphers throughout history.