A craftsman's dedication to inkstone carving

Yan Senlin makes an inkstone at his studio in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, March 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua)

YINCHUAN, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Yan Senlin is an inheritor of Helan inkstone carving techniques, a national-level intangible cultural heritage. He has been engaged in the study of the inkstone carving for over 50 years.

The inkstone is a primary tool used in Chinese calligraphy and painting. With fine texture and exquisite appearance, Helan stones are ideal materials for inkstone carving.

The making of Helan inkstone involves a series of processes, such as material selection, design, engraving, polishing and inscription.

To create exquisite inkstones, Yan has diligently pursued knowledge in fine arts, calligraphy, and sculpture, believing that a craftsman's skill must be complemented by a deep cultural understanding to truly excel in their craft.

Yan Senlin makes an inkstone at his studio in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, March 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua)

Yan Senlin makes an inkstone at his studio in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, March 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

Yan Senlin selects Helan stones for making Helan inkstones at his studio in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, March 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua)

Yan Senlin makes an inkstone at his studio in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, March 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Yang Zhisen)

Yan Senlin makes an inkstone at his studio in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, March 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua)

Yan Senlin makes an inkstone at his studio in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, March 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua)

Yan Senlin makes an inkstone at his studio in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, March 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

Yan Senlin makes an inkstone at his studio in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, March 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua)

Yan Senlin studies a Helan stone at the foot of Helan Mountain in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, April 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua)

Yan Senlin studies a Helan stone at the foot of Helan Mountain in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, April 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua)

Yan Senlin (C) teaches students making Helan inkstones in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, April 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Yang Zhisen)

Yan Senlin (2nd R) teaches students making Helan inkstones in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, April 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

This photo taken on April 15, 2024 shows a Helan inkstone made by Yan Senlin in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

This photo taken on April 15, 2024 shows a Helan inkstone made by Yan Senlin in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

This photo taken on April 15, 2024 shows a Helan inkstone used by calligrapher Chen Guohong, a friend of Yan Senlin, in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)