Go behind the scenes of our workshop. Discover the traditional techniques and immense patience required to transform raw Nishan stone into a finished inkstone.
The Art of "Xiang Shi" (相石)
The creation of a Nishan inkstone begins long before the first cut. Artisans must “read the stone.” This involves examining the raw rock’s shape, weight, color, and natural mineral veins. The carver envisions the final piece based on what the stone naturally offers, deciding where to place the ink well and where to carve the relief.
Carving and Hollowing
Once the design is settled, the stone is rough-cut into shape. The ink well is then slowly hollowed out using specialized chisels and grinding tools. This is a highly precise process; the depth and smoothness of the well directly affect the inkstone’s performance.
Polishing and Waxing
The final stage is polishing. Artisans use increasingly fine abrasives to smooth the ink well while leaving the carved relief textured and natural. A layer of natural wax is often applied to protect the stone and highlight its beautiful golden-yellow color.
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