inkstone

Calligrapher's grinding surface

An inkstone is a flat stone slab used in East Asian calligraphy and painting for grinding solid ink sticks with water to produce liquid ink.

The stone has a smooth grinding surface and a well to collect the ink.

Inkstones range from simple functional tools to elaborately carved collectible objects: a Ming dynasty inkstone, She ground ink on the stone before beginning to write.

calligraphy

brush

Bristled cleaning tool

grindingMolar action sometimes
water dropperDevice releasing liquid drops
brushworkPainter's stroke method

strokes · characters · script · penmanship · lettering · inscription · manuscript · scroll · cursive · seal

practice

grinding

Molar action sometimes

waterClear essential liquid
consistencyReliable adherence to standards
viscosityFluid's flow resistance

dilution · mixing · circular motion · patience · meditation · ritual · discipline · technique · brushwork · loading

tradition

study

Deliberate learning effort

scholarLearned, studious person
literatiEducated, cultured class
calligrapherDecorative handwriting artist

scribe · dynasty · Tang · Ming · ceremony · ritual · heritage · artifact · collectible · apprenticeship

materials

slate

Fissile metamorphic rock

sheThat woman there
ceramicFired clay material
lacquerGlossy protective coating

jade · porcelain · well · reservoir · lid · carved · polished · decorative · antique · heirloom

aesthetics

carved

Cut to create form

engravedCut into surface
motifRecurring thematic element
dragonLegendary fire-breathing reptile

landscape · poetry · inscription · patina · grain · texture · wabi-sabi · simplicity · elegance · collector

inkstone

brush

grinding

study

slate

carved

inkstone

Opposites

Categories

Family