Anhui is a province in eastern China with a rich cultural history and numerous intangible cultural heritages. The four treasures of the study favored by Chinese literati of all dynasties, "brush, ink, paper, inkstone", are all produced in Anhui. Although they have been washed by the times, Anhui's unique "Hui ink and Xuan paper" still top the list of these two categories! These treasures reflect the province's profound cultural traditions, craftsmanship and artistic values. The historical origins of these products can be traced back to the Qin Dynasty, reflecting the exquisite art and unique craftsmanship passed down from generation to generation. Well-known figures in these fields have made significant contributions to the protection and promotion of these cultural relics. The social significance and value of these intangible cultural heritage products have evolved over time, adapting to the contemporary environment while retaining their artistic value.
The intangible cultural heritage of The Four Treasures Of Study capital！
1. Xuan Paper
Historical origin:
Xuan paper, also known as rice paper, originated in the Tang dynasty (618–907 AD) and has been prized for its quality and durability. It is named after Xuanzhou, in present-day Anhui, where the production process was perfected.
Representative figure:
Wei Danian is a renowned contemporary Xuan paper craftsman recognized for his contributions to the preservation and innovation of traditional paper-making techniques.
Product use:
Xuan paper is primarily used for Chinese calligraphy and painting due to its smooth texture and excellent ink absorption properties.
Main material:
Xuan paper is made from the bark of the blue sandalwood tree (Pteroceltis tatarinowii) and the rice straw of the rice plant.
Technology characteristics:
The production of Xuan paper involves over 100 steps, including steaming, bleaching, and sun-drying, all carried out with meticulous care to ensure the paper's high quality.
Social value at that time:
In ancient China, Xuan paper was highly valued by scholars and artists for its superior quality, playing a crucial role in the cultural and intellectual development of the time.
Current artistic value:
Today, Xuan paper remains a vital material for artists and calligraphers worldwide, appreciated for its durability and adaptability, ensuring its continued relevance and artistic value.
2. Hui Ink
Historical origin:
Hui ink, or Anhui ink, dates back to the Tang dynasty (618–907 AD). The ink sticks were traditionally produced in the Huizhou region of Anhui, renowned for their high quality and rich black pigment.
Representative figure:
Cheng Junfang, a distinguished ink maker from the Ming dynasty, greatly advanced the craft with his innovative techniques and formulas.
Product use:
Hui ink is used in Chinese calligraphy and painting, known for its dense black color and smooth application.
Main material:
Hui ink is made from pine soot and a natural adhesive, typically derived from animal glue.
Technology characteristics:
The ink-making process involves collecting soot from burning pine wood, mixing it with a binder, and molding it into sticks. The sticks are then dried and aged, enhancing their quality.
Social value at that time:
Hui ink was an essential tool for scholars and artists, symbolizing cultural sophistication and intellectual achievement in ancient China.
Current artistic value:
Hui ink continues to be esteemed by contemporary artists and calligraphers for its historical significance and exceptional quality, contributing to the preservation of traditional Chinese art forms.
3. Xuan Brush
Historical origin:
The Xuan brush, a key instrument for Chinese calligraphy and painting, originated during the Qin dynasty (221–207 BC) and has been perfected over centuries in Xuanzhou, Anhui.
Representative figure:
Meng Tian, a general from the Qin dynasty, is traditionally credited with inventing the writing brush, although the Xuan brush as known today developed later.
Product use:
The Xuan brush is used for calligraphy, painting, and writing, valued for its precision and ability to create fine lines and broad strokes.
Main material:
The brush is typically made from bamboo handles and animal hair, such as goat, rabbit, or weasel hair.
Technology characteristics:
Crafting a Xuan brush involves selecting and processing fine animal hairs, arranging them into a brush tip, and attaching them to a bamboo handle, requiring great skill and attention to detail.
Social value at that time:
The Xuan brush was a crucial tool for scholars, artists, and officials, integral to the practice of calligraphy and painting, which were highly esteemed in Chinese culture.
Current artistic value:
Today, Xuan brushes are still used by artists and calligraphers, celebrated for their craftsmanship and the role they play in preserving traditional Chinese art forms.
4. She Inkstone
Historical origin:
The She inkstone, originating from She County in Anhui, has been used since the Tang dynasty (618–907 AD) and is one of China's four famous inkstones.
Representative figure:
Ming dynasty inkstone maker Jiang Zhen is renowned for his exquisite craftsmanship and contributions to the art of inkstone making.
Product use:
She inkstones are used to grind ink sticks into liquid ink for calligraphy and painting.
Main material:
She inkstones are made from a special type of stone, known as She stone, found in the She County region.
Technology characteristics:
The making of a She inkstone involves selecting high-quality stone, carving, and polishing it to create a smooth, durable surface for grinding ink.
Social value at that time:
She inkstones were highly valued by scholars and artists for their functionality and beauty, symbolizing cultural refinement and intellectual prowess.
Current artistic value:
She inkstones continue to be treasured for their historical significance and craftsmanship, used by contemporary calligraphers and artists, and collected as art pieces.
5. Huizhou Seal Carving
Historical origin:
Huizhou seal carving, with roots in the Qin dynasty (221–207 BC), became a prominent art form in the Huizhou region during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Representative figure:
Cheng Sui, a distinguished seal carver from the Qing dynasty, is known for his exceptional skill and innovative designs.
Product use:
Seals are used for personal identification, artistic expression, and official documentation, often carved with names, poems, or symbols.
Main material:
Seals are typically made from materials such as stone, jade, ivory, and metal.
Technology characteristics:
Seal carving involves engraving intricate designs and characters into the surface of the seal material, demanding precision and artistic talent.
Social value at that time:
Seals were essential for personal and official use, serving as signatures and symbols of authority, and were highly valued for their artistic and practical significance.
Current artistic value:
Huizhou seal carving remains an esteemed art form, with contemporary artists continuing to create and collect seals, preserving traditional techniques while infusing modern creativity.
6. Huizhou Brick Carving
Historical origin:
Huizhou brick carving, a traditional decorative art form, originated during the Song dynasty (960–1279 AD) in the Huizhou region of Anhui.
Representative figure:
For example, brick carving families such as Fang Xinzhong and Wu Zhenghui have exquisite brick carving works with unique styles.
Product use:
Huizhou brick carvings are used to decorate buildings, especially in temples, ancestral halls, and traditional houses.
Main material:
The carvings are made from a special type of clay brick, which is soft and malleable when freshly fired but hardens over time.
Technology characteristics:
The process involves carving intricate designs into freshly fired clay bricks before they fully harden, requiring exceptional skill and precision.
Social value at that time:
Huizhou brick carvings were a symbol of wealth and status, often used to adorn the homes of wealthy merchants and officials, reflecting their cultural and social prestige.
Current artistic value:
Today, Huizhou brick carvings are valued for their historical and artistic significance, with many surviving examples considered important cultural artifacts and protected heritage sites.