Discovering Treasures in Chun An Tang

The "Four Treasures of the Study", namely the ink brush, the ink stick, paper, and inkstone，are indispensable to any Chinese calligrapher. Chun An Tang in 798 Art Zone is a good place to discover these treasures.

The couplet of Chinese calligraphy, which roughly means “Traditional art brings you happiness”, on the storefront caught my eyes. It showed the owner’s deep appreciation of art.

Entering the shop, I saw Mr. Miao, the owner, chatting with some customers and showing them his ink brushes. He is proud of his ink brushes, as they are all made by Mr. Li Xiaoping, a very famous crafter. As he and I talked, Mr. Miao told me how to judge a good brush. The tip, he said, should always have a pleasing shape and enough elasticity, yet does not split. Mr. Miao also let his customers try out each brush through writing, before they buy it.

Inkstones in Chun An Tang come from Wuyuan of Jiangxi province. Wuyuan is a cradle of "She Inkstone", one of four renowned inkstones in China.

Prices of the brush pens vary from RMB 300 to RMB 580. And inkstones are sold from RMB 800 to RMB 1800.

What I appreciate:
Good brush pen

What customers appreciate:
Brush pen and inkstone