Four Treasures of the Study
The brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, collectively known as the "Four Treasures of the Study," are highly regarded by Chi- nese literati as essential tools for writing and painting. These cultural artifacts are not only unique to Chinese culture but are also considered representative of China's intangible cultural heritage.
The brush, made from animal hair, is most famously produced in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, known as the "Huzhou Brush." High quality ink, a coloring material used for writing and painting, originally black but now available in various pigments, is most famously produced in Huizhou, Anhui Prov- ince. The best paper for writing is made in Xuanzhou, Anhui Province, and known as "Xuan Paper". The inkstone, used for grinding ink with water, is most famously produced in Zhao- qing, Guangdong Province, and is known as "Duan Inkstone". In ancient times, scholars regarded these exquisite study tools not only as practical necessities but also as spiritual companions.
The emergence of the Four Treasures of the Study ushered China into an era where people could use them to record history and express their feelings. They have borne witness to and documented the development of the Chinese civilization. With these tools, Chinese people created unique styles of calligraphy and painting, establishing an distinctive expression system in this Oriental country.
文房四宝
笔、墨、纸、砚被中国文人誉为“文房四宝”。“文房四宝”是独具中国特色的文书工具，也是非物质文化遗产中极具代表性的中国国粹。
“笔”特指毛笔，笔头用动物的毛制成，最有名的是浙江湖州的“湖笔”。“墨”是书写、绘画的色料（本义是黑色，后泛指颜料），最有名的是安徽徽州所产的“徽墨”。“纸”是书写的材料，以安徽宣城生产的“宣纸”为最佳。“砚”是和水磨墨之石，最著名的是广东肇庆的“端砚”。在古代文人眼中，精美的文房用品不只是实用的工具，更是精神上的良伴。
作为中华文明的见证者与记录者，“文房四宝”的诞生使中国迈入用其记录历史、抒发情感的时代，创造了独特风格的书法和绘画，形成了独树一帜的东方表达系统。
