Water tank is a traditional Chinese handicraft with a long history. Scholars of all ages have always attached importance to and liked the furniture in the study. Besides the basic Four Treasures of the Study of "pen, ink, paper and inkstone", there are many stationery in China, such as seals, Yin He, water bowls, pen washers, pen containers, weights, inkstone screens, ink cartridges and so on.
Water bowls, also known as Shuicheng and Yan Di, were called "water injection" in ancient times. Its main function is to add water to inkstone, which first appeared in Qin and Han Dynasties. Its shapes are varied and ever-changing, but most of them are conformal and pictographic, and some are round, flat or vertical.
In terms of materials, its materials are very rich, including clay, porcelain, bronze, jade, crystal, tortoise shell, pine, agate, glass, lacquer, bamboo, cloisonne and so on. Its patterns are even more colorful, such as sapphire blue, Hong Jun, emerald green, black gold, lotus green, goose yellow, figures, landscapes, flowers and birds, cordyceps and so on.
Some experts say that there is a fifth treasure in the research. This is a pitcher. Mr. Chen Yutang, an old gentleman in Shanghai, is very partial to birdbaths. He wrote a paper to plead for birdbaths, arguing that it was unfair to exclude them from Four Treasures of the Study. He wrote in Hong Kong's "Notes on the Hidden Bowl": How to dye and brush ink when there is no water in the bowl?
Ornamental value
In addition to practical significance, the basin is more ornamental. It is placed on the case of the study, accompanied by the inkstone field, opposite to the literati. Therefore, it must meet the taste of the owner before it can be selected, including its material, technology, modeling, decoration, painting, etc., otherwise it will be difficult to go to the toilet.
In addition, from the perspective of health, water bowls can rest the soul and nourish nature. "Once you wash away the dirt in the world, you will be happy." From a psychological point of view, the water bowl can help Si Wen. "The treasures of several cases can be pleasing to the eye." In addition, some of them are used as spiritual sustenance, and some of them are called Cheng Xiong or Cheng You.