1. flat stones or stone slabs used for grinding solid ink sticks with water to make liquid ink for writing or painting
Usage: traditional East Asian calligraphy and painting

Examples

• The calligraphy master carefully ground the ink stick on one of his prized inkstones.
• Traditional Chinese artists still prefer using inkstones to prepare their own ink.
• The museum displayed a collection of ornate inkstones from the Ming Dynasty.
• She added water to the inkstone and began grinding the solid ink in circular motions.
• Antique inkstones are highly valued by collectors of Asian art supplies.
• The student learned to clean her inkstone thoroughly after each painting session.