It was not unusual for scholars to go to great extremes to possess an inkstone they especially liked. For example, one time Sung scholar and master calligrapher Mi Fei was asked by Emperor Huei Tzung (À²©v, 1105-1125) to complete a calligraphic work in his presence. When Mi Fei had fnished, the emperor was extremely pleased with the calligraphy, and asked him what he desired as a reward. Mi Fei replied that he sought no monetary compensation, but if the emperor would be so kind as to give him the inkstone he had just used to grind the ink, he would be more than satisfed. The emperor of course possessed a tremendous collection of precious inkstones and was not going to begrudge one to Mi Fei, especially since he was inclined to call on his calligraphic services in the future. After the emperor agreed to the request, Mi Fei wasted no time in securing his prize: without a thought about decorum at the foot of the Dragon Throne, he picked up the inkstone, wet ink and all, and stuffed it into the folds of his gown, splattering it with ink. Fortunately, the emperor laughed in amusement and ignored the breach of etiquette.

Today, as in the past, good inkstones are diffcult to fnd. Once owned, they require proper care, a task that cor~sumes very little time. There are rules to remember, however. After grinding the ink, for example, tbe inkstick should never be left on the surface of the stone. The resin used in the manufacture of inksticks is so strong that an inkstick left standing on a wet inkstone can adhere to the surface so frmly that its removal could actually damage the stone. For the same reason, after each use an inkstone should be thoroughly washed clean of any ground ink remaining on its surface. Failing to do so could create a resin layer on the surface of the stone which would interfere with its grinding ability. Should there be a build up of ink despite precautions, the inkstone can be soaked in water or ginger juice for several hours, and then scrubbed with a toothbrush. The surface of the inkstone of course should never come in contact with other abrasive or metal objects.

Inkstones almost always come with protective boxes, which can be made of wood, lacquerware, or any non-abrasive material. The more valuable the inkstone, the more elaborate its protective box will usually be. In the past, exotic woods such as ebony, purple sandalwood, and rosewood were frequently used for inkstone boxes. Calligraphic inscriptions or other designs could be carved on the surface of the box as well, providing aesthetic enjoyment while the stone inside awaited its next use.

The purchase of common inkstones is not a difi cult undertaking. A walk through the crowded urban center of Taipei reveals a profusion of places offering inkstones for sale. Stationery stores, art supply houses, calligraphy shops, antique stores, even traveling street vendors, are some of the more common places where inkstones can be purchased. Quality and price vary greatly, ranging anywhere from US$1 to those costing thousands of dollars. And variety is the order of the day: new, old, round, square_ their age and sizes are matched with a huge range of carved surfaces. Some are carved with dragons, birds, fowers, or auspicious Chinese symbols, their sizes varying from as big as a f st to over a foot in diameter.