What to buy
-- Hui Ink Stick (徽墨)
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Hui Ink Stick |
Hui ink sticks, which are produced in southern Anhui Province, are considered the finest of ink sticks around the world. This local specialty dates back more than 1,000 years ago to the South Tang Dynasty (937-975), when famous ink stick makers Xi Chao and his son Xi Tinggui moved to Shexian County of Huizhou (today's Huangshan City).
The father and son made ink sticks from pine soot and the trade was passed down to later generation of theirs. The Huizhou ink-stick earned a reputation for such qualities as hardness and durableness.
-- Anhui She Inkstone (歙砚)
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Hui Inkstone |
Historical evidences show that inkstones appeared over 5,000 years ago. She inkstone, produced in east China's Anhui Province is considered one of the best inkstones in the world and is also a favorate items for collects throughout history.
She inkstone is made of gray, light green, or black rare slate with markings, and the stone appears in layers and is hard. Typical markings are Gold Star, Gold Star Patch, Gold Line, Silver Star, Silver Line, Cherry Blossom Gold Star, and Small Water Wave.
She inkstone is known for such qualities as quick forming of ink, no harm done to the brush, and preserving wetness of ink.
