Read the Inkstone Spectrum of Weiwcao Garden (Complete Two Volumes)

Author: (Qing) Ji Yun (Compiler)
Publisher: Guangling Book Society
Publication Date: 1999-07-01
Features: Some famous inkstones or those used by renowned individuals become popular choices for collection. Generally, a good inkstone should not only be evaluated for its quality and craftsmanship but also for its provenance and inscriptions. If it was used or collected by famous individuals or features exquisite calligraphy and substantial inscriptions, it is considered a fine inkstone. Chinese scholars have long had a tradition of appreciating and collecting inkstones, often inscribing them to record their history or express the collector's aspirations. The famous aphorisms found in inkstone inscriptions have earned them the title of "Yue Wei Cao Tang Yan Pu" (Inkstone Collection of Yue Wei Cao Tang), one of which is the "Yue Wei Cao Tang Yan Pu." The "Yue Wei Cao Tang Yan Pu" primarily collects inkstones owned by Ji Xiaolan. Ji Xiaolan, styled Xiaolan and known as Shiyun, was a native of Xian County, Zhili (now part of Hebei). He was a jinshi during the Qianlong era and held high-ranking positions, including Minister of Rites and Vice Minister of Education, renowned for his scholarship and literary achievements. He was a prominent scholar and statesman of the Qing Dynasty. The "Yue Wei Cao Tang Yan Pu" includes approximately over a hundred inkstones collected by Ji Xiaolan. A rubbing copy is preserved in his ancestral hometown. It was published during the Republic of China era. The book features prefaces by Qing calligrapher Weng Fanggang and a preface by Xu Shichang of the Republic of China era. Our society has chosen a Republic of China-era edition for publication through photolithography. The inkstones collected in this book are of exquisite craftsmanship, feature rich inscriptions, and display beautiful calligraphy, making it an ideal choice for inkstone enthusiasts and calligraphy lovers.