| |
|
| Huangshan
Local Specialties: |
 |
 |
 |
| |
|
|
Four
Treasures in a Scholar's Room
Four Treasures consist of a Hu writing brush, a She inkslab, Xuan
papers and Hui inkstick.Each of the four is indispensable to any traditional
Chinese scholar and ranked as top quality product nationwide. Huangshan
is a good place to buy them as they are all produced in Anhui Province.
1.Writing Brush
Among the four treasures, writing brush is peculiar to China, which
has been the irreplaceable tool of Chinese painters and calligraphers
since ancient times.The brushes were made from fine soft animal hairs.
There are three major types: white goat's brushes are soft ,flexible
and absorbent; Rabbit hair ones produce bold, vigorous lines, and
are best suited to calligraphy; a mixed type achieve a balance between
steely and feathery lines. Many aspects of the unique style of Chinese
painting and calligraphy can be attributed to the characteristics
of the brush pens used .After the13th Century, Huzhou became the national
writing brush production center and known for it best quality. The
characteristics of "Hu Writing Brush" were sharp, neat,
round and tough.
2. Xuan Paper
Paper is one of the worldly known inventions in ancient China. After
the Eastern Jin Dynasty about 1600 years ago, paper was extensively
used instead of traditional writing materials such as bamboo slips
and silks. In the Tang and Song Dynasties around 1000 years ago, the
industry of paper production was very thriving. Celebrated products
in best quality appeared in Xuanzhou of Anhui Province.
White, soft, durable and non-absorbent, the Xuan paper is made in
an 18-step process from the bark of wingcelties and rice straw. In
the Qing Dynasty, Xuan paper became almost the only favorite paper
for painting and calligraphy. It was entitled as " the king of
all kinds of papers."
3. Hui Inksticks
It is the unique pigment of Chinese traditional calligraphy and painting.
Before artificial ink was made, natural inks or half-natural inks
had been generally used. The raw materials of inkstick were pine,
oil and lacquer. A good inkstick is finely grained and has an even
and smooth texture. It is firm and not sticky. It is also in pure
black color, without murkiness or roughness. The Huizhou inksticks
has been famed since late Tang Dynasty around 1000 years ago.They
are made of the ashes of burnt green pine from Huangshan Mountain.
It is said they can last for 1000 years on paper.
4.She ink-slab
Inkstone could be the most valuable one among four treasures
since some of them were handed down from ancient times due
to its solid texture. Among the stone ink-slabs, the round tripod
pieces were the most typical. The stone used to make a inkslab were
found at the bottom of the mountain stream and must be of relatively
fine whetstone materials so the bristles of the brush pen are not
damaged and grinding of the inkstick is easier to be done .
They have a fine, solid texture and glossy sheen, and ink prepared
in them does not dry quickly Inkstones are extremely durable. In ancient
times, artisans would have their names or other words engraved on
their inkstones to be passed on to future generations. She inkslabs
have been collectible items among Chinese families.
Huangshan Maofeng Tea
Huangshan Maofeng tea is a world-famous and best-quality tea. It grows
in the mountain over 700 meters above sea level within Mt. Huangshan
scenery area. The tea has a unique quality and its orchid-like
fragrance lasts long.
A aromatic Maofeng Tea leaf looks like a bird's tongue, with bright
luster and verdant and soft yellow brew. It has a mellow taste. Flavorful
"Hair Peak" buds and leaf need consummate skills in picking
and processing. Dried in stacks after picking, it has a magnolia-like
fragrance. Maofeng tea belongs to Green Tea and the Spring tea leaves
picked before April is the best and very rare. It is the most known
and exotic tea and one of top ten in China, it also exported to England,
France and Southeast Asian countries since 1976 and became world famous.
Stone Frog
: The frog grows in the mountain streams and feeds on insects. As
the frog inhabits in shady places, the local people sometimes use
it to relieve children's fever. It is especially effective to prick
heat in summer. The dish is refreshing, beneficial for eyesight besides
the extremely delicious taste. |
|
 |
| Spectacular Qutang,
elegant Wu and majestic Xiling - they are no illusion but truly
world wonders, even after the big dam is complete. Let images
in our gallery be your guidance when planning your next China
Trip. |
|
|
