TWO BLACK AND WHITE GLAZED ‘BI YONG’ CIRCULAR INKSTONE 宋代 黑、白釉辟庸陶砚两件 China, Song dynasty The central unglazed grinding surface is surrounded by a narrow well, positioned above an openwork apron created by short legs attached to a ring. The entire piece is finely glazed, except for the grinding surface and underside, which reveal the fine white body material. D. 6.4, 5.1cm NOTE In the history of porcelain inkstones, the Biyong inkstone boasts a particularly unique design. Biyong was the place where ancient emperors lectured. The Record of Rites: Wang Section states: The grand college is located in the suburbs; the emperor's is called Biyong, while those of the feudal lords are called Leigong. Cai Yong of the Eastern Han Dynasty explained in his Mingtang Danling Lun as: It is surrounded by water on all four sides, resembling a wall. Subsequently, it came to be known as Biyong. During the Southern and Northern Dynasties as well as the Sui and Tang Dynasties, ceramic artisans imitated the design of the Biyong to create the Biyong inkstone, which became highly prized artistic treasures. During the Wei and Jin Dynasties, with the rapid development of the porcelain industry, ceramic inkstone platforms emerged in large numbers. Among them, a type with a round dish with feet was most popular, which also served as the precursor to the Biyong inkstone during the Sui and Tang Dynasties. During the Wei and Jin periods, the most popular inkstones were three-legged or four-legged celadon round dishes, which evolved into bead-footed inkstones and Biyong inkstones with five to ten legs during the Southern and Northern Dynasties. By the Sui and Tang Dynasties, circular multi-legged Biyong inkstones had developed.