Pic Story: Inheritor of Helan Inkstone Carving Techniques
Yan Senlin teaches students making Helan inkstones in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, April 15, 2024.
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. (Xinhua/Yang Zhisen)
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)
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 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 makes an inkstone at his studio in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, March 8, 2024. (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)
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)
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)
Yan Senlin (R) introduces inkstones to a customer 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 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 teaches students making Helan inkstones in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, April 15, 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 (2nd R) teaches students making Helan inkstones in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, April 15, 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 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/Feng Kaihua)