Duan Inkstone Culture Village

　　Duan inkstones are ranked first among China’s ancient Four Famous Inkstones. Since the Tang Dynasty, they have been tributes to the imperial court, renowned for their exceptional quality of “turning breath into ink and feeling as smooth as skin.” Such “rare treasures under heaven” come from Baishi Village in Huanggang Town, now known as China’s Duan Inkstone Culture Village.

　　Facing Beiling Mountain and backed by the Xijiang River, Baishi Village covers an area of about 1.2 square kilometers. Established during the Wude era of the Tang Dynasty, it has 288 households and over 1,100 residents. The villagers have made inkstones their livelihood for over 1,300 years. From the late Qing Dynasty to the early Liberation period, Baishi Village reached its peak in inkstone production, giving rise to numerous renowned inkstones and master craftsmen, solidifying its status as the “No.1 Duan Inkstone Village.” Most houses in the village are built along the bow-shaped village road, with piles of inkstone materials in front of each home resembling small mountains. Over half of the villagers are engaged in inkstone making. Currently, the village produces around 80,000 inkstones annually, with a total output value of approximately 23 million yuan and an average annual income of 12,000 yuan per person.

　　Features of Baishi Village

　　Over 90% of families in Baishi Village are involved in inkstone production, with more than 50 relatively large workshops. Inkstone materials are piled up in front of every house, and the scenes of people carving inkstones can be seen everywhere—under eaves, beneath melon trellises, beside village roads, and inside halls—forming a vivid “Baishi Inkstone-Making Scene.” The process of crafting a single Duan inkstone takes at least seven or eight days and up to half a year, highlighting the craftsmanship behind its value. Additionally, due to rapid economic development, many ancient houses have been demolished and rebuilt, leaving only a few historical relics, creating a unique blend of old and new.

　　The Legend Behind Baishi Village’s Name

　　Adjacent to the Xijiang River, Baishi Village was often threatened by floods. To protect against them, the villagers built an embankment. One year, after continuous heavy rain upstream, the river swelled dangerously, putting the earthen embankment at risk of collapse. At the critical moment, villagers noticed three huge white stones exposed by the rain near the embankment and quickly used them to reinforce the crumbling structure. Miraculously, the three white stones stabilized the embankment, saving the villagers’ lives and property. In memory of the three stones, the village was renamed Baishi (White Stone) Village. Today, these three stones stand like guardians, enduring centuries of wind and rain, still protecting the village and witnessing its rise and fall.

　　A few years ago, an elderly man who had been away from home for over 60 years returned from Taiwan to visit relatives. However, the drastic changes in his hometown left him disoriented. Eventually, he spotted the three white stones by the embankment and confirmed he had truly returned home. The man had left his village for Taiwan in his teens and spent decades longing for his family, often dreaming of the three white stones. The white-haired elder embraced the stones and whispered, “Mother, I’m back.”

　　Ancestral Worship on the Eighth Day of the Fourth Lunar Month

　　Baishi Village has a unique festival held annually on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month to honor the ancestors of the stone-carving trade and those who contributed to the village’s history. The Duan Inkstone Guild also accepts members from other villages, as long as they are involved in inkstone making. Over time, the ceremonial prayers of this festival gradually faded, but some villagers now plan to revive the tradition.

　　In the past, villagers worked on inkstones independently with little communication. Later, they realized the power of unity and formed an organization called the “Duan Inkstone Guild” to coordinate production. On the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, villagers of all ages gather before the shrine of the Five Ascendants to offer prayers, thanking the patron saint and praying for prosperity. The guild has a dedicated space for ceremonies, housing the shrine of the Five Ascendants and a stone stele from Zhang Zhidong, covering about 30 square meters. On the day of the ceremony, officials invite Taoist priests and respected elders to lead an hour-long prayer ritual. The guild’s leaders also publicly disclose the year’s expenses for review. Members aged 60 and above attend to discuss finances or elect new leaders. Afterward, everyone enjoys a festive meal, sharing stories, exchanging techniques, and appreciating inkstones—like a lively holiday.

　　Historical Figures

　　Luo Xingpei (1918–2003) specialized in carving floral, insect, landscape, cloud-dragon, fruit, and plum-sparrow inkstones. His works are meticulously composed, elegantly simple, and dignified, holding high artistic and collectible value. Dedicated to inkstone creation and mentorship, Luo trained numerous disciples and became a leading figure in Chinese inkstone artistry. His student Li Keng became a nationally renowned master craftsman.

　　Luo Junpei (1920–1972), who studied under his brother Luo Xingpei from childhood, entered the Duan Inkstone Factory in 1959. Known for his unique style and intricate craftsmanship, especially in cloud-dragon and floral designs, he also conducted in-depth research on ancient inkstones from various dynasties. His exceptional skills made him a leading folk inkstone carver. Luo was even invited by Premier Zhou Enlai to participate in carving the marble pillars of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

　　China Duan Inkstone Exhibition Hall

　　Showcasing both ancient and modern masterpieces, the China Duan Inkstone Exhibition Hall is the iconic building of the “China Duan Inkstone Culture Village.” Designed in the Song Dynasty architectural style, the four-story building spans approximately 10,000 square meters and was completed in December 2004. Constructed for the “2004 Zhaoqing · China Duan Inkstone Cultural Festival,” the hall originally displayed over 200 rare inkstones from different eras. The second floor features exhibits on the history, current state, and development of Duan inkstones through photos, texts, and artifacts. The third floor showcases calligraphy and paintings by masters like Guan Shanyue and Li Xiongcai, along with a “Four Treasures of the Study” exhibition from across China.

　　Zhang Zhidong Stele

　　The Zhang Zhidong Stele bears witness to Baishi Village’s inkstone-making history. A must-visit spot in the village, it stands near the Tangming Duan Inkstone Factory. Passing through two iron gates, visitors encounter the “Stele of Zhang Zhidong on Mining Inkstone Stones for Tribute Purposes.” Carved in 1889 during the Qing Dynasty’s Guangxu reign, the stele stands 130 cm tall and 83 cm wide, made of Duan inkstone material with regular script in intaglio. It contains 1,172 characters. Though weathered and flanked by lush pine and cypress trees, the stele survived destruction during the Cultural Revolution thanks to villagers who risked their lives to hide it. As the only surviving stele documenting Duan inkstone production, it holds significant historical value and is now a protected cultural relic in Zhaoqing.

　　Street Petition for Recognition

　　In 1886 (Guangxu 12th year of Qing Dynasty), quarrels erupted over chaotic and contested inkstone mining rights in Duanzhou, compounded by rumors that mining harmed feng shui. The disputes distressed Baishi Village residents. In 1889, then-Governor-General of Liangguang and Viceroy of Guangdong Zhang Zhidong passed through Duanzhou. Villagers “blocked the street to present their petition,” directly appealing to him. Subsequently, Zhang inspected the Lingyang Gorge and the inkstone quarries firsthand, ruling that banning Baishi villagers from mining was unjust. He authorized local stonemasons like Liang Nianzhong to extract tribute-grade stones and prohibited officials from seizing or profiting from the stones. Grateful for Zhang’s decision, villagers engraved the ruling on a stele and enshrined it reverently.

　　Inkstone Appreciation Garden

　　Located in the heart of Baishi Village, the Inkstone Appreciation Garden is a space for admiring inkstones

　　discussing their craftsmanship

　　and refining inkstone-making techniques. Surrounded by shady trees and lush green lawns, enclosed by an exquisite wooden fence, the garden features scattered stone benches and tables, blending naturally with the surroundings. Locals often gather here to discuss prized inkstones, exchange carving skills, chat about daily life, or simply enjoy the art of inkstones.

　　Li Clan Ancestral Hall

　　A masterpiece of architectural ingenuity and historical craftsmanship. Baishi Village’s Li Clan Ancestral Hall, built during the Ming Dynasty’s Yongle era over 600 years ago, stands as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship. The major surnames in the village include Li, Liang, Luo, Huang, and Cai, with the Li family being the largest, comprising about a quarter of the population. The hall consists of a front and rear section: the front includes two rooms, a courtyard, and corridors, while the rear is a grand hall with two large stone pillars at the entrance, slightly weathered over time but featuring exquisitely carved beams. Though dusted with age, the murals on the eaves—depicting lotuses and phoenixes—remain vividly lifelike. Despite centuries of challenges, the hall retains its distinct Ming Dynasty architectural style.