Buying Stationery & Calligraphy: What to Choose and Where to Shop

How to choose

Chinese stationery makes a light, packable gift. Look for quality brushes (soft, resilient tips), ink stones without cracks, and xuan paper that feels even and absorbent. Shops like Rongbaozhai sell graded products — ask staff which grade fits beginners versus collectors.

Budget guide

Starter brush-and-paper sets run ¥50–¥150. Mid-range brushes and ink stones cost ¥150–¥500. Collector-grade pieces go well above ¥1,000. Sets are better value than buying pieces separately.