The Way of Inkstones

Plot Synopsis

In the early years of the Song Dynasty, Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty was extremely fond of inkstones. Every year, inkstones with outstanding texture and excellent workmanship would be selected from all over the country as tributes to be presented to the imperial court. Duanzhou in Guangdong Prefecture had always been famous for producing high-quality Duan inkstones. The Laokeng in Duanzhou was designated as the imperial quarry for tributes, and the stones mined there would be carved into inkstones by the best craftsmen. The most excellent ones would be selected as tribute inkstones and presented to the imperial court. Every year, the inspection and transportation of tribute inkstones to the capital became a major event in Duanzhou and a big day for the people of Duanzhou. Therefore, the inkstone craftsmen who were fortunate enough to be appointed to make tribute inkstones were often called "the best in the world". There were numerous inkstone workshops in Duanzhou, and inkstone craftsmen were as numer