On September 7th, the "Ask the Stone, Appreciate the Stream - Liang Peiyang's 60-Year Life in Inkstone Engraving" exhibition was held at the Rongbaozhai Art Gallery Building in Beijing. Collectors and calligraphers from all over the country attended the opening ceremony to admire and appreciate the art of inkstone.

Liang Peiyang is the 13th generation inheritor of the Liang family's inkstone production craftsmanship in Zhaoqing. At the age of 17, he accompanied his mentors to quarry stones, engrave inkstones, and discern the quality of inkstones. Diligently studying and devoted to artistic innovation, he innovatively designed and carved techniques on the basis of traditional inkstone craftsmanship that includes intricately carved dragons and phoenixes. He incorporated poetic imagery into his designs, emphasizing landscapes and literati inkstones, transforming inkstones from mere writing tools into artistic pieces. For decades, Liang Peiyang mentored apprentices, passing down his knowledge and skills, ensuring the continuity of the inkstone craft. Simultaneously, he actively promoted inkstone knowledge and traditional culture, leading to many foreign collectors acquiring his works.

Upon reaching the age of sixty, as a retrospective of his life's work, Rongbaozhai Art Gallery specially organized an exhibition to showcase his classic pieces, aiming to introduce more art enthusiasts to and cultivate a love for inkstones. During the exhibition opening, Liang Peiyang remarked:

"This exhibition displays my best inkstones at Rongbaozhai Art Gallery. At sixty years of age, the journey in art has been challenging, and I remain deeply grateful. Born into an inkstone family, at the age of 18, I carried my own carved inkstones to set up a stall in Wangfujing at night; in those years, to boost exports, I worked overtime almost every night to produce inkstones, persisting for 20 years. Over the years, I have taught over three hundred apprentices, and my son Liang Zhenglian has also learned inkstone carving from me. Inheritance is a responsibility and a commitment, and I will continue to strive."

It is reported that this exhibition at the Rongbaozhai Art Gallery Building will run until September 20th.

Translator: FENG Haoxuan 

Reviewer: Ding Hongwei