The Timeless Elegance of the Study Room and Its Treasures
The “Four Treasures of the Study”—brush, ink, paper, and inkstone—are essential tools in traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting. But they are far more than just writing instruments. In traditional Chinese culture, the scholar’s desk was incomplete without the Four Treasures of the Study: the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. Together, they formed the essential tools of calligraphy and painting, and each holds centuries of craftsmanship, artistry, and history. Let’s take a closer look at their stories.
In ancient China, a scholar’s study was much like a private library in a European noble’s home. It was a space not only for reading and writing, but also for composing literature, playing chess, appreciating antiques, and enjoying meaningful conversations with friends. The tools used in this space reflected the owner’s taste, personality, and artistic sensibility.
The pursuit of elegance and refinement in these items gave rise to an aesthetic culture. These treasures came to symbolize the inner world of the scholar—calm, cultured, and deeply connected to the arts. It represents an extension of the scholar’s inner world. The Four Treasures of the Study are more than instruments, they are symbols of Chinese culture and aesthetics. For this reason, they were often called the “Four Friends of the Study” as well.
Together, these four tools nurtured Chinese thought, literature, and visual art for centuries. They were not only used by scholars and poets but also revered by emperors, collected by connoisseurs, and refined by generations of craftspeople.
Each item embodies the skill of the artisan and the taste of its user. Over thousands of years, a wide array of supporting tools also emerged, including brush holders, ink beds, seal boxes, and paperweights. These items carry deep cultural significance, blending practical use with artistic value.
For generations, scholars used stationery not just for writing, but as a way to connect with the ideals and artistry of the past. They inscribed poetry, copied masterpieces, and infused their tools with literary allusions, turning everyday objects into expressions of personal philosophy and admiration for cultural heritage.
Over time, this refined way of life influenced broader Chinese culture, becoming an important part of the heritage of Chinese civilization.
Today, these treasures continue to inspire—offering a glimpse into the elegance, discipline, and enduring spirit of traditional Chinese culture.
As you explore these treasures, imagine the scholar at his desk—grinding ink, choosing a brush, and setting his thoughts to paper. The Four Treasures are more than tools—they are a window into the soul of Chinese civilization.
Brush
The Extension of the Scholar’s Hand
Legend credits General Meng Tian of the Qin Dynasty with inventing the brush, but archaeological finds tell a deeper story. Brushes dating back over 2,000 years have been found in ancient tombs—made from bamboo handles and animal hair, often capped for protection. These early tools were surprisingly similar to modern brushes.
Brushes came in many forms, with handles made of bamboo, ivory, or even gold, and tips crafted from goat, rabbit, or weasel hair. The best brushes share four qualities:
Sharp (a fine tip)
Neat (uniform hairs)
Round (a full body)
Strong (good resilience)
Different brushes suit different needs—some for bold strokes, others for delicate lines. During the Tang and Song dynasties, Xuanzhou in Anhui was famous for its “purple hair” brushes. Later, in the Ming and Qing dynasties, Huzhou in Zhejiang became the center of brush making, producing the exquisite “Hu brushes” still prized today.
Brushes are not just tools—they are expressions of the artist’s spirit. Because they wear out with use, ancient brushes are rare treasures today.
Ink
Where Smoke Becomes Art
Before artificial ink, early Chinese writing used natural pigments—seen on painted pottery, oracle bones, and ancient bamboo slips. Over time, artisans learned to make solid inksticks from the soot of pine or oil smoke, mixed with glue and pressed into molds. The earliest of these date back to the Han Dynasty (over 2,000 years ago).
Making ink was an art in itself. The best ink was smooth, rich black, long-lasting, and fragrant. Ink molds were often beautifully carved, turning a simple tool into a work of art. Some of the finest ink came from Huizhou in Anhui Province, where master craftsman Hu Kaiwen created what we now call “Hui Ink.”
Though most artists today use bottled ink, traditional hand-ground inksticks are still loved for their elegance and quality.
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Paper
A Revolution of Communication
Long before paper, the Chinese wrote on bamboo slips, silk, and even bone. That changed with the invention of paper, traditionally credited to Cai Lun of the Eastern Han Dynasty (105 CE). But archaeological finds show that paper was in use even earlier, with examples from the Western Han Dynasty unearthed along the ancient Silk Road.
Early paper was made from natural fibers like bark, hemp, and old cloth. It was light, easy to write on, and easy to store—quickly replacing older materials.
By the Tang Dynasty, paper production had spread across China. The most famous is Xuan paper from modern-day Jing County, Anhui. Known as the “King of Paper,” it is prized for its softness, durability, and ability to absorb ink gracefully. Artists and calligraphers still treasure it today.
Inkstone
Where Ink Is Born
The inkstone is where the magic begins—a tool for grinding solid ink with water to create liquid ink. Though it may look simple, it is a finely crafted instrument, designed to hold water, grind soot, and bring out the best in ink.
Among all tools, the inkstone held a special place. It was cherished as a lifelong companion, As Chen Jiru wrote in the Ming Dynasty, The inkstone is to a scholar what a mirror is to a beauty; it is the most intimate thing in one’s life.” Inkstone appreciation became a refined art in itself, with famous figures like Mi Fu and Su Shi collecting, crafting, and writing about them. Their passion helped elevate the inkstone into a symbol of intellectual and artistic pursuit.
Some of the earliest inkstones date back to the Han Dynasty, carved from smooth stone. Over time, the inkstone itself became a collector’s item. The four most famous types are:
Duan Inkstone from Guangdong, prized for its jade-like smoothness.
She Inkstone from Anhui, known for its natural patterns and silky surface.
Tao Inkstone from Gansu, made from riverbed stone, rare and beautiful.
Chengni Inkstone from Shanxi, shaped from river mud and fired like pottery.
A good inkstone keeps the ink smooth, rich, and ready to bring brush and paper to life.
