Organized by the Nanjing Museum Administration, an exhibition focusing on the lifestyle of traditional literati and their study room essentials opened at the Nanjing Folk Museum (Former Residence of Gan Xi) on November 8.

The exhibition showcases 90 cultural relics that embody the quintessence of traditional scholars, especially the "four treasures of the study," which include brush pen, ink stick, paper and ink slab. It also features valuable items featuring the musical instrument qin, board games, books, paintings, poems, alcoholic beverages and tea.

Among the exhibits is a porcelain pen holder shaped like a smiling child. At 14 cm long and 5 cm high, the holder has a green base and red floral decoration, serving both functional and ornamental purposes.

Also on display is a set of landscape-themed stationerys, a modern replica of porcelain works from the reign of Qianlong Emperor (1735-1796) during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

An exquisite ink slab made of brick of the City Wall of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) attracted visitors’ attention. This way of creating ink slabs, popular in the Qing Dynasty, was often treasured by literati for its enhanced sense of cultural heritage.

The exhibition, first of its kind at the Nanjing Folk Museum, will continue until January 26, 2024.