Munbang (文房) is an old Korean word for a scholar’s studio, and munbanggu (文房具) literally means “tools of the scholar’s study”, i.e. stationeries. Since paper, brush, ink-blocks and ink-stones were considered as indispensable components of a stationary set, they were also called the “four friends of the scholar’s study” (munbang-sau, 文房四友).

In the traditional culture of East Asia, one’s most important ideas were mainly conveyed through brushwork on paper. Especially in the Confucian society where scholars were revered, stationeries were a valuable, indispensable necessity. As mentioned in some literary works, paper, brush, ink-blocks and ink-stones of fine quality were often considered as objects d’art, which were appreciated along with old paintings and calligraphy in front of a clean desk, bright window and burning incense.

This great inkstone is a key example of an ink-stone produced as a fine work of art. Made of mudstone (澄泥石) native to Wiwon, a region near the Amnok (Yalu) River in North Pyeong'an Province, it takes after the lotus leaf shape which was a popular style of ink-stone in Song China and in the Joseon Dynasty. The edge of the inkstone is sculpted as the back of folded lotus leaf corners, with every detail of stems and veins clearly visible. The large face of the stone is decorated with a pair of catfish and a peony. The lid of the wooden inkstone case is decorated with five mother-of-pearl dragons. This ink-stone well reflects the majestic and scholarly grace of Joseon royal culture.