What is the Chinese term for the 'Four Treasures of the Study'?

The Chinese term for the “Four Treasures of the Study” is Wenfang sibao, often written Wen Fang Si Bao in spaced romanization.

In Chinese, 文房四寶 refers to the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone—the essential instruments of the traditional scholar’s study. “Wenfang” means the scholar’s study or literary workspace, while “sibao” means “four treasures.” The expression emphasizes that these tools were valued not simply as stationery but as the material foundation of scholarship, painting, and calligraphy.

Each treasure developed important regional traditions. Xuanzhi from Anhui became famous as a durable, absorbent paper; Huizhou was renowned for inksticks; Huzhou became associated with high-quality brushes; and celebrated inkstones came from places such as Duanxi and Shexian. Production and artistic embellishment reached especially high levels during the Tang and Song dynasties.

The term is used across East Asian cultural traditions, with related expressions in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. A common mistake is to interpret “treasures” as four abstract virtues or four works of art. Here it specifically names the four physical implements used to write and create.