Xiyian (Xiyi Inkstone)

Xiyi Inkstone

　　Xiyi inkstones have a history of over a thousand years. From the Ming to the Qing dynasties, they were presented as tributes to the imperial court. The Jiangshan Arts and Crafts Carving Factory has inherited the traditional craftsmanship of Xiyi inkstones, producing a variety of styles with unique characteristics—bold and unrestrained in tone, yet novel and elegant in design. Their products have won multiple provincial and Ministry of Light Industry awards for decoration and quality, and are sold across major cities nationwide, as well as exported to Japan and some Southeast Asian countries.

　　(Quzhou)

　　Xiyi inkstone, also known as Purple Gold Stone Inkstone, is one of the traditional famous inkstones. The stone is quarried from Yanshan Mountain, located at the border between Jiangshan and Changshan counties in Zhejiang Province. The stream on Yanshan originates from Xixi in Jiangxi. This area was formerly under the jurisdiction of Quzhou Prefecture, which was anciently called “Xi’an,” hence the name “Xiyi” (Western Inkstone). Xiyi inkstones originated during the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty. The stones found in the watery parts of Yanshan are bluish-green, while those from the mountain slopes are purplish; the finest varieties are quite smooth, with liver-colored ones being the most prized. Xiyi inkstones are crafted according to the nature of the material—hard and smooth like She inkstones. The most valuable type is “Purple Robe with Jade Belt,” featuring white streaks in purple stone.