Guangdong is the birthplace of Duan inkstones, also known as Duanxi inkstones, named after their origin in the ancient Duanzhou (today’s Zhaoqing City). Renowned for their purplish hue and smooth texture—praised as “purple stone (Zishi),” “purple cloud (Ziyun),” and “purple brilliance (Ziying)”—they are valued both for their artistry and practicality. Duan inkstones are regarded as the foremost of China’s “Four Famous Inkstones” (Duan, She, Red-silk, and Chengni), and together with the Huzhou brush, Anhui ink, and Xuancheng paper, they form the celebrated “Four Treasures of the Study.”

The Guangdong Museum holds over 1,000 Duan inkstones spanning from the Tang and Song dynasties to the present, making it one of the museum’s principal strengths among its collections. Among Guangdong’s many traditional crafts, Duan inkstones stand out for their long history, artistic and cultural significance, and distinctive regional identity—making this exhibition an essential component of the Museum’s permanent exhibitions.

Covering more than 600 square meters, the exhibition Grace of Purple Stone — The Art of Duan Inkstones presents nearly 200 pieces from the Museum’s collection, supplemented by inkstones made of other materials, Duan stone specimens, and related scholar’s objects. The exhibition is structured around three major themes: historical significance, artistic value, and cultural connotation, aiming to engage visitors with the world of Duan inkstones and their culture in an accessible and compelling way.

The exhibition consists of four sections: Part I: Tracing the Origins of the Inkstone. This section outlines the evolution of the inkstone, and the history and stylistic features of Duan inkstones. Masterpieces from the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties to modern times are displayed alongside non-stone varieties such as brick, pottery, porcelain, bronze, and lacquer-sand inkstones. Highlights include early examples unearthed from archaeological sites: a Tang-dynasty dustpan-shaped Duan inkstone unearthed from a tomb in Xi'an, Shaanxi, in 1954; Song-dynasty hand-grip Duan inkstones unearthed in Gaoyao County, Guangdong, in 1973, and one unearthed from the tomb of Liu Jing in Chaozhou, Guangdong, in 1985; and a Song-dynasty qin-shaped Duan inkstone unearthed in Foshan, Guangdong, in 1964—all rare finds of high historical value.

Part II: The Pure Beauty of Stone. This section introduces the natural qualities of Duan stone. With over ten renowned quarry sites—including Laokeng, Mazikeng, Kengzaiyan, and Songkeng—Guangdong is uniquely endowed with fine inkstone material. Duan stones are known for their delicate, moist texture and beautiful patterns, such as “fish brain jelly (Yunaodong),” “clear sky (Tianqing),” “blue flower (Qinghua),” and “banana-leaf white (Jiaoyebai).” Because of their composition and structure, Duan inkstones are easy to grind, gentle on brush tips, and excellent for ink retention. The hall recreates a quarry scene and includes an open display area with over 10 pieces of raw Duan stone, which visitors can touch and closely observe. This allows visitors to gain a full sensory understanding of the Duan stone's texture, color, and markings. Comparative displays of ten other famous inkstones, including She, Chengni, Red-silk, and Songhua varieties, highlight the superior quality of Duan stone and its well-deserved reputation as "the foremost among famous inkstones".

Part III: Exquisite Craftsmanship. This section showcases the craftsmanship of Duan inkstone making—covering production process, carving techniques, forms and styles, decorative motifs, and the principle of adapting craftsmanship to the material. From the Tang and Song emphasis on “simplicity and elegance” to the Ming and Qing pursuit of “innovation and symbolism,” Duan inkstones evolved from simplicity to diversity. The decorative patterns of Duan inkstones are rich and colorful, covering almost all aspects of traditional Chinese culture. Some were so beloved that they were passed down through generations, becoming classic inkstone styles. In terms of carving, “adapting the craft to the stone” and “skillful use of natural color” are essential principles, seeking harmony with nature and artistry that transforms simplicity into beauty.

Part IV: Inscriptions and Poetry More than fifty Duan inkstones from the Ming and Qing dynasties bearing engraved inscriptions are displayed to illustrate the cultural depth of inkstone art. As close companions in writing, inkstones inspired literati to inscribe poems and essays expressing their sentiments. Some collectors were so devoted that they carved and inscribed inkstones themselves.  These inscriptions—concise in language, elegant in calligraphy, and often paired with seals—reflect the aesthetic tastes and artistic achievements of those literati. Featured works include masterpieces once owned or inscribed by Zhu Yizun, Huang Ren, Lin Ji, and Ruan Yuan, along with the legendary “Thousand Gold Monkey King Inkstone (Qian Jin Hou Wang Yan)” and “Yan Hua Inkstone with Four Symbols (Yan Hua Si Xiang Yan),” two of the late Qing’s famed “Three Great Duan Inkstones.”

Over its 1,300-year history, the Duan inkstone has evolved from a scholar’s tool into a profound symbol of Chinese culture and heritage. In 2006, “Duan Inkstone Making Technique” was added to the national intangible cultural heritage list,  and its cultural value is increasingly drawing attention of the world. This exhibition not only celebrates the Duan inkstone’s historical, artistic, and cultural significance but also calls for the protection of Duan stone resources and the preservation of inkstone craftsmanship, so as to carry forward the enduring legacy of Chinese inkstone culture.