On May 22, the 21st China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair officially opened. As "China's premier cultural industry exhibition," this edition gathered cultural treasures from across the country. The Anhui Pavilion featured several time-honored enterprises specializing in writing-brushes, ink sticks, Xuan Paper, and inkstones, showcasing the craftsmanship and innovative vitality of the "Four Treasures of the Study." It presented a cultural feast rich in Anhui charm to audiences worldwide.  

"I've been attending the Shenzhen Cultural Industries Fair almost every year; you could say I'm a familiar face here," said Zhang Wennian, the director of Xuanzhou Brush Factory in Xuancheng, Anhui Province, and a national intangible cultural heritage representative. He smiled as he spoke, noting that he has witnessed not only the expansion of the fair but also his own continuous innovation and growth. "I remember bringing just forty or fifty varieties in my first participation. Now, through ongoing innovation and market research, this year we've brought over a hundred types, ranging from high-end products for professional calligraphers to beginner-friendly models." 

Huizhou Ink is a treasure among traditional Chinese ink-making techniques and one of the world-renowned "Four Treasures of the Study." Characterized by its solidity like jade, adhesion when applied onto paper akin to lacquer, rich black color, and lasting quality without fading over time, Huizhou Ink was included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage lists in 2006. 

"We go through more than twenty steps to make each piece of ink, and every step is insistently done by hand," explains Wang Min, the person in charge at Cao Sugong Minnan's Ink Factory. The factory is located in Jixi County, known as the "Hometown of Huizhou Ink in China." While continuing ancient methods, they also innovate within tradition. "Ink comes in five shades, and its varying levels of thickness and wetness can create a rich spectrum of colors on paper. This is the charm of Huizhou Ink." 

Our Hongxing Xuan Paper is a flagship brand of Anhui. Established in 1951, we are the largest producer of the 'Four Treasures of the Study' in China and a leading enterprise in traditional handmade papermaking," said Cao Hongming, manager of China Xuan Paper Co., Ltd., holding up a stack of soft yet resilient Xuan paper. "This exhibition features various types of Xuan paper tailored to meet the needs of different users." 

"This time, we've brought some classic designs for display, such as this inkstone featuring a 'lingzhi mushroom' motif—since Jingde, our hometown, is renowned for its lingzhi. We integrate Anhui's distinctive cultural elements into every inkstone we craft," said Jiang Banchao, Production Director of Anhui Xuan Inkstone Culture Co., Ltd. "Xuan inkstones are made from locally sourced high-quality stone, known for its fine texture and smooth, oil-like ink-grinding performance." 

At the Shenzhen Cultural Industries Fair, Anhui's "Four Treasures of the Study" not only displayed their exquisite traditional craftsmanship but also breathed new life into ancient techniques through innovative designs. On the stage of the Shenzhen Cultural Industries Fair, the essence of Anhui is narrating the millennia-old story of Chinese culture with a renewed posture, sharing it with the world. 

Source: anhuinews.com