Inkstones are classified by material into stone, pottery, tile, brick, jade, and rubber types. Among stone inkstones, the Duan Inkstone and She Inkstone are the most famous. The Duan inkstone comes from Duanxi in Zhaoqing, Guangdong; the She inkstone comes from Shexi in She County, Anhui.
When selecting an inkstone, look for a fine-textured stone that grinds ink well. Touch it with your tongue — if it feels cool and the moisture does not dry quickly, it is a superior piece. A fine-textured stone produces fine-ground ink and does not damage the brush bristles. The Duan inkstone is dense and hard, predominantly purple in color, and ink ground on it does not dry out easily.
The She inkstone is softer in texture than the Duan, predominantly bluish-gray. Elaborately carved inkstones may not have the best stone quality and are often used primarily as decorative display pieces. Before use, rinse the inkstone with clean water to remove surface dust, then wipe dry before grinding ink.
Inkstone Care
Keep the inkstone free from oil and grease, and never expose it to direct sunlight. When not in use, it is best to keep a small amount of clean water in the well to maintain moisture. Store the inkstone in a fitted box or with a cover.