What was Four Treasures of the Study in ancient China?

Four Treasures of the Study is a traditional instrument in the cultural circle of Chinese characters, namely, pen, ink, paper and inkstone. Originated in China, and then spread to Japan, Korean Peninsula, Viet Nam, Ryukyu and other places.

Since the Song Dynasty, "Four Treasures of the Study" refers to Hu Bi (Huzhou, Zhejiang), Hui Mo (Huizhou, Anhui), Xuan Paper (Xuanzhou, Anhui) and Duanyan (Zhaoqing, Guangdong, formerly known as Duanzhou). They are not only of practical value, but also works of art integrating painting, calligraphy, sculpture and decoration.

The name of Four Treasures of the Study originated in the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420-589), and the name of "study" means "the land in the hands of the state" (equivalent to the national database), because the ancient literati in China often used four indispensable treasures in their study: pen, ink, Xuan paper and inkstone. "Four Treasures of the Study" in Southern Tang Dynasty refers to Zhuge Bi, Huizhou Li Tinggui Mo, Chengxin Tang Paper and Jiangxi Wuyuan Weilong inkstone.

Extended data source

The tools and materials of China's calligraphy are basically evolved from pen, ink, paper and inkstone. People usually call them "Four Treasures of the Study", which roughly means that they are the necessary Four Treasures of the Study for a scholar to study. Because China ancient literati can basically write and draw, or both, they can't do without the four treasures of pen, ink, paper and inkstone.

The name of the study originated from the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420-589 AD) in the history of China, which means that a scholar's study uses pen, ink, paper and inkstone as his study, and is known as "Four Treasures of the Study". Four Treasures of the Study has a variety of categories, rich and colorful, and famous teachers can be found in the records. Four Treasures of the Study is famous for its Hu Bi, Hui Mo, Xuan Paper and Duanyan, and it still enjoys a high reputation.

Four Treasures of the Study is not only of practical value, but also a work of art integrating painting, calligraphy, sculpture and decoration. It can be said that both pen and inkstone are excellent, and life is a joy.

References:

Baidu Encyclopedia-Four Treasures of the Study