Investigation History And Current Situation Of Heaven Yan Studied

Tiantan inkstone,a renowned Chinese inkslab with a history of over1200years, was firstproduced during the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty(618-907A.D). The inkstone is originated form the bank of Pangu Spring underneath the Tiantan Peak of Wangwu Mountain at Jiyuan city, Henan Province. Recorded in historical documents such as HanYu’s "Epigraph on Tiantan Inkslab", and"A study of Pangu Vally"written by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty(1644-1911A.D), it is also know as "Pangu inkstone".The colour of Tiantan inkslab are classified into more than a decade including mottled blue, riddle, azure, wheat-leaf green, willow-bud yellow, trichromatic, melon-seed,ect.The texture is exquisite and smooth, sturdy but not fragile, delicate but not lithe, sharp but not granitic, unwrinkled but not slick. It looks like preciously fine jade and sounds like "muyu", Ji XiaoLan had highly praised the quality of Pangu inkstone.The design and craftsmanship of Tiantan inkslab depends on the inkstone’s quality. Its modelling is classically elegant and ingeniously wrought. Carved patterns depict propitious and historical motifs such as the spring scenery of Tiantan, the panoramic view of Pangu, the dragon and phoenix dance presenting auspiciousness, and the rising sunover the sealevel. Various kinds of inkslab including longevity-turtle-shaped, bamboo-joints-shaped,"ruyi"-shaped, bell-shaped, basin-like and inkslab for students are available.Not only is it a practical tools for writing and painting, but also an artistic gem of traditional Chinese culture.