Yisuzhai
Time-Honored BrandYisuzhai · Anhui · Founded
A renowned Huizhou ink stick workshop, Yisuzhai carries on ancient techniques of pine soot and oil soot ink making, crafting ink sticks of exceptional quality that are prized by calligraphers and painters. With a legacy tracing back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, it embodies the elegance of traditional Chinese literati culture.
Brand Story
Yisuzhai, a celebrated ink stick workshop from Huizhou, Anhui Province, derives its name from the saying 'artistry thrives on diligence, grains accumulate into a mountain,' symbolizing the accumulation and inheritance of craftsmanship. Although its exact founding year is not officially verified, local chronicles and ink-making genealogies trace its techniques to the golden age of Huizhou ink during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Huizhou ink sticks are renowned for being 'light to hold, clear to grind, fragrant to smell, hard as jade, and silent when rubbed.' Yisuzhai adheres to ancient methods of making pine soot and oil soot ink, incorporating deer horn glue, gold foil, and borneol into the ink, resulting in a deep, lustrous black that never fades. During the mid-Qing period, when Huizhou ink merchants thrived, Yisuzhai focused on 'fine appraisal,' crafting custom ink sticks for literati and earning high esteem among scholars. Its ink molds are exquisitely carved with landscapes, flowers, birds, and classical stories, blending utility with artistic value. In modern times, Yisuzhai has upheld tradition while integrating contemporary design, giving ancient ink a new lease on life. Culturally, it not only preserves the intangible heritage of Huizhou ink making but also conveys the essence of traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting, along with the spirit of the literati.
“[待核]”
Signature Products
Made from pine wood soot, this ink stick produces a steady, deep black, suitable for both calligraphy and painting. (200-800 RMB per stick)
Refined from tung oil soot, this ink stick yields a fine texture and a lacquer-like gloss. (300-1200 RMB per stick)
Custom-carved molds allow for personalized inscriptions and paintings, combining practicality and collectability. (500-2000 RMB per stick)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Anhui（安徽）
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Cultural Note
Yisuzhai's ink-making follows ancient procedures including 'soot collection, glue mixing, pounding, molding, drying, edge filing, and gold tracing,' with particular emphasis on the glue method, ensuring 'moderate glue strength and smooth ink flow.' Its ink mold carving, which integrates calligraphy, painting, and sculpture, represents a living heritage of Huizhou ink culture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "China Time-Honored Brand" (中华老字号)?
A China Time-Honored Brand is a designation by China’s Ministry of Commerce for brands with a long history that inherit products, craftsmanship or services across generations and have operated continuously to the present.
When was Yisuzhai founded?
Yisuzhai was founded in null, originating in Anhui, Anhui, primarily in the Other field.
What is the signature product of Yisuzhai?
Its signature product is Pine Soot Ink Stick. See the "Signature / Buy Online" section on this page for more products and shopping links.
Where can I find the official list of China Time-Honored Brands?
You can log into the MOFCOM "China Time-Honored Brand Information Management System", or browse this site’s brand directory — we have profiled 1,451 time-honored brands.
Sources / References
Brand fundamentals (founding year, heritage level, recognition batch) follow official sources such as the MOFCOM time-honored brand list. Story and encyclopedia: