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the ink-stone, otherwise known as the ink-slab, inkwell, ink-sea, and ink dish. an ancient saying goes, “if writing is like planting crops, then the ink-stone is a plot of field”, which shows the ink-stone as occupying an important position among four treasures of the study (the other three being: the writing-brush, ink, and paper). the ink-stone is not only an item of utility, but also a work of art. due to its natural and artistic beauty，high visual values, and rich cultural contents, it won great favor among men of letters through the ages.