The Four Treasures of the Study refer to the essential tools of Chinese scholars: brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. In particular, the Four Treasures produced in Huizhou have earned a prestigious reputation, widely admired by scholars and artists across history for their high quality and craftsmanship.
Xuan Brush (宣笔)
The Xuan brush, originating from Jingxian in Huizhou, has a long history of production and is known for its exceptional craftsmanship. The materials used in making these brushes are carefully selected, and the artisanship is highly refined, making them widely versatile for different types of calligraphy and painting. The Xuan brush has been lauded by artists as “firm yet flexible, adapting to the hand,” and none of the brushes in a set will differ in quality. Due to its superior quality, the Xuan brush was once used as a tribute to the imperial court, becoming a treasured product among the Four Treasures of the Study.
Xuan Paper (宣纸)
Xuan paper, also from Jingxian, is another prized product of Huizhou and is regarded as the finest of all Chinese papers. Its production process is highly intricate, involving over a hundred steps. Known as the “hometown of Xuan paper,” Jingxian’s paper-making craft was included in the list of National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2006. Xuan paper is as thin as a cicada’s wings, yet it is incredibly tough, fine, and pure white. It is highly resistant to decay, insects, and has an excellent ability to absorb ink, making it ideal for both calligraphy and painting. Its durability has earned it the nickname “paper that lasts a thousand years.”
Hui Ink (徽墨)
During the Qing Dynasty, Hui ink was produced by four famous families: Cao Sugong, Wang Jinsheng, Wang Jie’an, and Hu Kaiwen. Among them, Hu Kaiwen became especially renowned for making medicinal ink, earning the title “Hua Tuo of medicinal ink.” His ink retained the essence of traditional craftsmanship, producing a rich, deep black on paper without being heavy. Even when used in lighter strokes, the ink retained a crisp, non-fading tone. The layers of shading created by the ink were exceptionally clear, making Hui ink one of the most cherished tools of scholars and artists.
She Inkstone (歙砚)
The She inkstone is one of China’s four famous inkstones, renowned since the Tang Dynasty, when the celebrated calligrapher Liu Gongquan praised it in his “Treatise on Inkstones.” Made from premium Longwei stones, these materials undergo geological changes over billions of years to form the stone’s unique qualities. The She inkstone is admired for its “eight virtues”: strength, smoothness, flexibility, firmness, fineness, density, cleanliness, and beauty. These attributes make it an invaluable tool for artists, enabling smooth and refined strokes when grinding ink. Often intricately carved, She inkstones combine natural and artistic beauty, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal.