An inkstone from the Ming Dynasty. [Photo provided to China Daily]

A collection of inkstones is being showcased at an exhibition at the Asian Arts Museum in Nice, France, through Feb 14.

The exhibition, titled Spirit of Harmony, presented by the Departmental Museum of Asian Arts in Nice, is dedicated to contemporary creations and literary traditions in China and Japan.

Chinese artist Yang Ermin contributed most of the inkstones on display.

An inkstone is a stone mortar for the grinding and storage of ink.

For serious calligraphers and painters, a good inkstone is as important as the quality of the ink. An inkstone will affect the quality and texture of the ink that is ground.