China has a rich history of calligraphy and written symbols. Writing is still regarded as one of the highest art forms in China. This means there is an accumulation of tradition around writing instruments. The four classic instruments--brush, paper, ink and inkstone--are known in China as the "Four Treasures of the Study."
Brush
The classic Chinese writing instrument is the brush, which is used to create sinuous characters with flowing strokes. The use of brushes has a six-thousand year history in China. The bristles of the brush are usually animal hair, or occasionally feathers. Which animal is used can depend on the style and intent of the writing, or the experience of the artist. In some Chinese families, a brush will be made using the hair of a newborn child, which will then be a special instrument for that child in later life. The handle of the brush is commonly made from a bamboo stem, but brushes exist that are made of glass, ivory and different kinds of wood.
Paper
Papermaking is also a high art in China. This isn't surprising because China is the country where paper was invented. Different materials are used to make different types of paper. Rice and bamboo papers are well known, and mulberry is also frequently used. High quality paper is of great importance to good calligraphy, as a consistent absorption rate of ink is necessary to create the most beautiful characters. The best calligraphy paper comes from Jing County in Anhui Province, and is known as Xuan paper. Instead of paper, parchment or vellum may also be used.
Ink
Traditional ink in China is made from soot, also called lampblack, which is mixed with gum and made into solid inksticks, which are easy to transport. These must be mixed with water to create liquid ink. A calligrapher must take care to mix as much ink as he will need at one time, because mixing more halfway through a project may result in ink of a different shade. Often the inksticks are decorated.
Inkstone
The mixing, or grinding, of the inkstick is done in an inkstone. These are traditionally made of carved stone or less frequently, of pottery. They are rather flat, with a small depression to hold the ink. Inkstones are often created and treasured as works of art in their own right and are considered very collectible.
