In Chinese calligraphy, the stone surface used to grind ink is called an inkstone, also written “ink stone.”
Traditional Chinese ink is commonly made as a solid inkstick rather than supplied as a liquid. The calligrapher places a small amount of water on the inkstone and rubs the inkstick against its smooth grinding surface, usually in a controlled circular motion. The resulting liquid ink collects in a recessed reservoir, where it can be loaded onto the brush.
An inkstone is more than a simple tool: it is both a writing implement and a collectible art object. Famous varieties include Duan inkstones from Guangdong, She inkstones from Anhui and Jiangxi, Taohe inkstones from Gansu, and Chengni inkstones made from ceramic. Their qualities depend on the stone’s texture, hardness, grain, and ability to produce smooth ink.
The inkstone belongs to the Four Treasures of the Study, together with the brush, inkstick, and paper. “Ink slab” can describe the flat grinding area, but “inkstone” is the standard name for the complete implement.