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徽墨為何在明朝名聲大振？

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Inksticks are one of the “four treasures of the scholar’s studio,” and the ones crafted in Huizhou are considered unique treasures among traditional Chinese inksticks. The invention of the inkstick is a great contribution to the Chinese culture or even the world civilization.

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0907phn002_a — Sericulture and Silks

The history of Chinese sericulture and silk production is at least 5,000 years old. Sericulture’s origins can be traced to the Neolithic period from which some silk textiles unearthed in Henan and Zhejiang provinces can be dated.

Sericulture and Silks

0802ph033 — The Compass and Ancient Sailing

The “south-pointing needle” is a magnetic pointing device. When combined with directional markings, it forms a compass. The invention of the compass had a decisive effect on the development of human civilization.

The Compass and Ancient Sailing

0801ph036 — Astronomy and Calendar in Ancient China

Astronomy is almost as old as the history of human kind. When primitive men were using simple tools to hunt and fish for food, they observed the position of the sun to decide when they would set forth and how far they should go.

Astronomy and Calendar in Ancient China

0814ph045 — Gunpowder and Firearms in Ancient China

Gunpowder is one of the Four Great Inventions of pre-modern China. It was made with a mixture of saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal, which was crushed into powder. Weapon smith-technicians of the early Northern Song dynasty (960–1127) exploited its blasting effect and produced the world’s earliest firearms.

Gunpowder and Firearms in Ancient China

0815ph034 — Papermaking

To make paper you start with plant fiber. This raw material is then treated in a series of processes that include refining, mechanical dispersion, slurrying, shaping, and dehydration. Many people think that paper appeared in the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220), but according to ancient documents and excavated artifacts, the world’s first paper—Fangmatan paper—appeared in the early Western Han (206 BCE–24 CE).

Paper making

30072ph020 — Traditional Hui Inkstick Craftsmanship

Inksticks are one of the “four treasures of the scholar’s studio,” and the ones crafted in Huizhou are considered unique treasures among traditional Chinese inksticks. The invention of the inkstick is a great contribution to the Chinese culture or even the world civilization.

Traditional Hui Inkstick Craftsmanship

30052ph025 — Traditional Techniques of Making Writing-Brush

The writing brush has a long history—traces of its use have found on painted pottery from as long ago as the Neolithic. Before the Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE), the writing brush (bi) went by various names.

Traditional Techniques of Making Writing-Brush

30032ph029 — Traditional Techniques of Making Xuan Paper

The Xuan paper is just one member of the large family of Chinese handmade papers. It was named after Xuanzhou, in modern Anhui province, where it was first produced. As early as the Tang dynasty (618–907) the paper of Xuanzhou was sent as tribute to the imperial court.

Traditional Techniques of Making Xuan Paper

0813ph022 — Ships in Ancient China

Boats in ancient China probably originated as simple floatation devices appearing earlier than rafts and dugout canoes.

Ships in Ancient China

0811ph026 — Mechanical Engineering in Ancient China

Machines in ancient China included the following eight categories: simple, vehicle and animal-drawn, hydraulic, wind-powered, weaponry and thermal, time keeping, earthquake detection and automated, and flying machines.

Mechanical Engineering in Ancient China

0807ph029 — Geoscience in Ancient China

The geosciences in ancient China were not organized into as many sub-specialties as they are now. Originally, all the various branches were called by one name—dili geography; this included both natural and human geography.

Geoscience in Ancient China

0808ph025 — Water Conservancy in Ancient China

China’s ancient civilization was founded on agriculture. Water conservancy has thus always been a matter of concern. According to legend and later records,

Water Conservancy in Ancient China

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