Pine Flower Imperial Inkstone

Pine Flower Imperial Inkstone

　　The pine flower stone used to craft Pine Flower Inkstones was first discovered along the riverbanks of Jiangyan in Dishishan, Changbai Mountain area, Tonghua, Jilin. It was an imperial item exclusively used by the emperors of the Qing Dynasty. This area is also the middle section of the Songhua River, densely forested with vast woodlands. In June, the yellow-green pine flowers bloom in the Changbai Mountain pine forests, bringing a vibrant liveliness to the early spring Changbai Mountain. The color of this stone resembles that of the pine flowers, hence it is called "pine flower stone," and inkstones carved from it are named Pine Flower Imperial Inkstones.

　　 　　The crafting of Pine Flower Inkstones from pine flower stone first appeared in the mid-Ming Dynasty. By the Qing Dynasty, Pine Flower Inkstones gained favor due to their unique historical background, but they did not become widely popular as everyday writing tools because of the exclusive preference by Qing emperors. Changbai Mountain is the birthplace of the Manchu people and was declared an imperial forbidden zone, prohibiting mining, fishing, and hunting. Pine flower stone could only be collected by the imperial 'Manufacturing Office' entering the mountains alone, then transported back to the palace to be crafted into inkstones as national treasures for imperial use. A small amount was also bestowed upon meritorious officials. During the Kangxi and Qianlong eras, over eighty inkstones were made, with another eighty produced by subsequent generations. Currently, there are eighty surviving imperial inkstones, mostly housed in the two Palace Museums, with the majority located in Taipei.

　　 　　The production of inkstones from pine flower stone began in the late Ming Dynasty and gained prominence during the Qing Dynasty. Emperors such as Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong held Pine Flower Stone Inkstones in high esteem. Emperor Kangxi even honored them as “Imperial Inkstones,” reserving their use solely for the imperial court. From the 14th to the 19th century, Jilin Province was the most important political, economic, and military center in Northeast China. During the Qing Dynasty, the Republican era, and the early years after liberation, Jilin City was the provincial capital of Jilin Province. Its riverside housed an ancient shipyard and served as a crucial transportation hub for the three northeastern provinces. With its crisscrossing waterways, it facilitated year-round transport—spring timber rafts, summer and autumn boat traffic, and winter sledges—ensuring the continuous movement of goods and resources across the Northeast. The Manchus originated from the Changbai Mountain region, and the Jilin area was a key site of their activities and a vital military stronghold, with large numbers of troops stationed there in the early years. Later, successive Qing emperors would stay here when paying homage to their ancestors.

　　 　　When Emperor Kangxi visited Changbai Mountain to pay tribute to his ancestors, he composed the poem "Song on Sailing Down the Songhua River":

　　 　　The Songhua River, its waters so clear.

　　 　　After last night’s rain, spring waves arise, with layered floral brocades gleaming bright.

　　 　　Colorful sails and painted boats glide light with the wind, while soft melodies drift midstream, flanked by verdant cliffs and emerald walls.

　　 　　What a radiant glow from floating clouds in the sun? Boats sail downstream, startling hidden dragons, with masts and hulls clustered in riverside strongholds.

　　 　　Mighty warriors clad in armor, all elite and brave, their banners reflected in the water, red tassels fluttering. I come to learn the customs, not to review troops.