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1. Song Dynasty
1. Song Dynasty
Liu Songnian - Depiction of a Tea Infusion (part)
1-1 The Beginning of Taste - Simple and Elegant
1-1 The Beginning of Taste - Simple and Elegant
With the establishment of the imperial examination system and the formation of the scholar-official class, writing implements gradually became widespread during the Song Dynasty.
Concurrently, as chairs came into use, the height of writing desks increased, and writing implements thus took on an additional role as objects of appreciation and enjoyment.
The Start of Table Sense
The Start of Table Sense
Refined clay “Chaoshou” inkstone used by Zhang Zhi
Inkstone
The desk in the Tea Infusion Scene is exquisitely simple and elegant. The “wind-character (風) inkstone ” to the right of the monk is a common Song Dynasty style, alongside other forms such as the "Chaoshou-shape" and the "Clog-shaped" inkstone.
Among inkstone materials, Duan stone, She stone, Chengni clay, and Taohe stone are renowned as the Four Great Inkstones of the Song Dynasty.
Cai Xiang - A Letter
Su Shi - A Letter
Paper
The Song people were also quite particular about paper. Cai Xiang's “A Letter” describes his quest for Chengxintang paper and his longing for it. Su Shi's “Letter on Paper” used “flowered paper,” a type of decorated paper featuring patterns.
1-2 Scholarly Sentiments
1-2 Scholarly Sentiments
Scholars of the Song Dynasty pursued rigorous scholarship, dedicated to research and contemplation. Beyond academic thought, they also held personal perspectives, reflections, and imaginings regarding their writing implements.
A Poetic Ode to The Scholar's Studio (Temporary Translation)
Illustrated Commentary on Scholar's Studio, authored by Lin Hong of the Southern Song Dynasty, personifies eighteen types of scholar's accessories as the “Eighteen Scholars,” assigning them official titles and names, and incorporating simple illustrations.
Jade brush stand in the shape of mountains
Scholars also vividly described their writing implements. As Lu Yinglong noted, “Distant peaks stand like a brush holder,” likening the brush holder to a range of mountains.
DuanXi Inkstone Compendium (Temporary Translation)
The Southern Song Dynasty's Duanxi Inkstone Compendium explored the origins, stone quality, stone eyes, and forms of inkstones, cataloging as many as forty-eight distinct inkstone designs.
Do you like the elegance of Song Dynasty desks?
What kinds of inkstones have you seen?
1-3 Mi Fu-The Leading Literary Figure of the Song Dynasty
1-3 Mi Fu-The Leading Literary Figure of the Song Dynasty
Mi Fu stands as one of the most brilliant figures in art history, achieving extraordinary accomplishments in calligraphy, painting, art theory, and art collecting and appreciation.
He authored the Treatise on Calligraphy and the Treatise on Inkstones, dedicated to scholarly pursuits. His passion for stones bordered on obsession, leading him to call stones as brothers.
Short Illustrated Biographies of Ancient Stages - The Picture of Mi Landlord (Temporary Translation)
Elegant Gathering in the Western Garden ( Part )
It is said that Wang Shen of the Northern Song Dynasty once hosted a grand gathering of scholars, inviting cultural luminaries such as Su Shi and Mi Fu to partake in the festivities. Li Gonglin was commissioned to create paintings, while Mi Fu composed inscriptions to commemorate the occasion.
Though this gathering may never have actually taken place, it reflects the world's enduring yearning for the elegance of the Western Garden Gathering.
On Sichuan Silk ( Part )
The On Sichuan Silk's brushwork resembles “a lion pouncing on an elephant,” displaying a majestic and composed grandeur that showcases exceptional calligraphic mastery. The entire text encompasses multiple styles, yet flows seamlessly despite its varied forms, revealing the artist's unrestrained and candid nature.
The Reproductions
The Reproductions
Duan Stone Inkstone Shaped Like a Goose
This inkstone skillfully utilizes its white speckles and stone eyes. Shaped like a goose, it depicts the bird turning its head back. The goose's back forms the inkstone tray, while its wings embrace the indentations on either side, creating the inkwell.
It is said that Wang Xizhi cherished geese, prompting literati to create goose-shaped inkstones as tokens of admiration and as a source of inspiration.
Inkstone With Design of Insects and Melon Leaves
This inkstone is crafted from brown Duan stone, utilizing the stone's natural fire-patterned veining to depict leaf veins. Both sides are carved with melon leaves and vines, featuring two yellow stone eyes at the top and a grasshopper beneath the leaves. This piece skillfully employs the stone's natural color to portray organic forms, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.
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