[National Geographical Indication Products] Qiyang Stone

Qiyang Stone was approved by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) as a National Geographical Indication Product in September 2016.

Qiyang Stone is slightly soft, smooth and fine-grained. Most Qiyang Stones are red-violet, with light green-grained patterns. Some even appear marvelous pattern of sun, moon, landscapes, and figures.

Large Qiyang stones can be used to make ancient-style screens. Smaller ones can be processed into inkstones, reputed as "Qiyang Inkstone", which is of ornamental and collection value. According to historical records, Qiyang inkstone can be traced back to more than 1000 years ago. The Zipao Yudai Inkstone, literally a violet robe and jade belt patterned imperial inkstone, was a kind of Qiyang inkstone in violet color and with light green grains. It was once an article of tribute for the emperor, as recorded in General Annuals of Hunan, and History of Ink.

Chinese source: People's Daily