North China inkstick makers follow ancient methods

"Longmen inkstick" is a typical Xinjiang inkstick produced in Xinjiang county, Yuncheng city, North China's Shanxi province. [Photo/Xinhua]

Xinjiang inkstick is listed as provincial intangible cultural heritage in North China's Shanxi province.

Jiwenzhai, a brush and ink business, has a history of more than 100 years. Wang Zhuangsheng and his son Wang Gang, inheritors of the Xinjiang inkstick cultural tradition, continue to follow the ancient methods.

The inksticks produced by Jiwenzhai are called "Longmen inkstick", renowned for high quality that lasts for hundreds of years. Using more than 10 kinds of rare traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, the production processes take at least 6 months to 12 months.