Black Lacquer Two Stone Kang Table

One of the distinctive characteristics of Chinese artistic tradition is the use of calligraphy as part of the painting itself. Its significance lies in its ability to express the theme and artistic conception of the painting more clearly and deeply while, at the same time, giving great insight into the artist’s individuality, emotions and views on art and life. The ink stone on this table was part of that tradition, the ink cake is grounded on the painters’ stone slab with fresh water to various consistencies. Thus these ink stone slabs are used by the artists to practice their calligraphy skills with brushes. This is because in ancient times paper was rare and expensive. After the ink dries up the slabs can be re-used again..