What makes a valuable ink slab?

The following three characteristics are critical for prime quality ink slabs. First is the texture of the material. Among all the ink slabs from the different regions in China, Guangdong duan ink slabs usually get the highest price - largely due to its fine texture. Second is the craftsmanship of the carving. Third is the shape of the ink slab. Generally speaking, rectangular and round shapes are more expensive than regular ones.

Cultural background is also of great importance to the value of the ink slabs. Those with inscriptions of celebrities usually hit the highest price on the market. Unlike other works of art, a long history does not necessarily mean a high value. The ink slabs in the Song (960-1279), Tang (618-907), and Han (206BC-220AD) dynasties are usually made of stone of inferior quality. In the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, the literati had much higher requirements for the texture of their stones, so the price of these ink slabs is usually higher. Though boasting high collector values, the more ancient ink slabs, like Han era ink stones, are sometimes sold for relatively lower prices.

 Maintenance of ink slabs

The prime requirement to maintain an ink slab is to avoid direct sunlight, or it will become too dry, and the ink slab casket tends to crack in low humidity. A high-quality ink slab should not come into contact with metal, glass or other ink slabs , and felt should be used to cushion the desk.. 

 Four Famous Chinese Ink Slabs

Anhui She Ink slab

As one of the essential tools of ink brush painting, she ink slabs, produced in Anhui Province in East China, were one of the most sought after collector's items among the literati and elite for thousands of years. This is one of the so-called Four Great Ink Slabs in Chinese history.

It is named after Shezhou Prefecture, Anhui Province, where it was first produced in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Many counties under the jurisdiction of this prefecture produce she ink slabs, but the best come from Longwei Mountain in Wuyuan County. Sometimes she ink slabs are referred to as longwei ink slabs.

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