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.