What are the four in Four Treasures of the Study?

Four Treasures of the Study is: pen (brush), ink, paper and inkstone.

1. Pen (writing brush): Writing brush is one of the main tools for calligraphy and painting in China. Traditional brushes are made of animal hair, such as wool and wolf hair. Different wool materials endow the brush with different properties, and it presents a unique ink and wash effect when used for writing and painting. Because of its flexibility, the writing brush is considered to be the most expressive writing tool for literati.

2. Ink: Ink is a crucial item in Four Treasures of the Study. Traditional ink is divided into solid ink and ink. Solid ink exists in the form of ink block, which needs to be matched with inkstone and wiped with water, while ink is liquid ink, which is convenient to take and use. In painting and calligraphy, the application of ink is varied. It is not only a writing tool, but also a symbol of literati's feelings.

3. Paper: Paper in traditional Four Treasures of the Study is represented by Xuan paper, which is specially made for calligraphy and painting. Xuan paper has fine texture and good air permeability, which can fully show the beauty of brush. Paper in Four Treasures of the Study bears the thoughts and artistic creation of literati, and is an indispensable basic material for painting and calligraphy.

4. Inkstone: Inkstone is the last one in Four Treasures of the Study, which is used to grind ink blocks. Inkstone is generally made of stone, such as Longquan stone and flint, which has a certain hardness and smoothness. The literati mixed water and ink blocks on the inkstone, and prepared ink suitable for writing or painting through the action of grinding ink. The inkstone is not only a practical tool, but also a symbol of literati.

The Cultural Significance of Four Treasures of the Study

Four Treasures of the Study reflects the aesthetic ideas advocated by China literati. The selected combination of pen, ink, paper and inkstone aims to pursue the perfection of writing art. The agility of brush, the depth of ink, the texture of paper and the firmness of inkstone represent the different pursuits of literati for artistic expression, forming the unique aesthetic characteristics of China's calligraphy and painting.

Four Treasures of the Study embodies the spiritual pursuit of literati. Scholars use Four Treasures of the Study not only to write and draw, but also to pursue peace and detachment of mind. In the process of writing, literati can immerse themselves in the beauty of pen and ink, feel the aura of nature, and reach the realm of physical and mental pleasure, which is in line with China's ancient thought of advocating quietness and pursuing spiritual freedom.

Four Treasures of the Study also represents the literati's inheritance and development of traditional culture. This traditional writing tool has continued from the Tang and Song Dynasties to the present, and witnessed the exchange of ideas and artistic creation of China literati for thousands of years. In the process of using Four Treasures of the Study, the literati inherited the wisdom of the sages and continued the context of China traditional culture.