When it comes to Chinese calligraphy, Chinese naturally know the four Chinese traditional 'treasures' of calligraphy—a brush pen, an ink stick, paper, and an ink stone, which have played an important role in disseminating Chinese traditional culture and art. With the passing of time, Chinese Ink Slab and Ink Stick have become art works themselves. The Ink Slab and Ink Stick are indispensable for Chinese calligraphy.

Known as one of the “four traditional treasures”, the ink slab or ink stone is a special Chinese cultural instrument selected from prime quality raw materials and special varieties. Chinese ink slab has a long history. According to the archeological evidence, an ink slab unearthed in Jiazhai, Shanxi Province has a 5,000-year history. Most ancient ink slabs unearthed by archaeologists were made in the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD).

In China, there are four famous Chinese ink slabs, including Anhui She Ink slab, Gansu Tao Ink slab Gansu, Guangdong Duan Ink Slab, Shanxi Chengni Ink slab. All of them are unique for their own features. But the four have common on two outstanding characteristics of fine texture, excellent craftsmanship.
Chinese ink stick is the unique pigment of Chinese traditional painting and calligraphy. Good ink stick is fragrant and anti-corrosion, black with a luster like a purple jade, endurable and not fading. It will not clog when the brush is pressed, and will not halo on paper. Pine, oil and lacquer are the raw materials of Chinese ink stick. It is said that artificial ink appeared in Han Dynasty.