Tan sheepskin, from lambs slaughtered at about 45 days, features little underfur, clear wool roots, and wavy "nine bends" patterns. The long, soft, flexible, and shiny wool is mostly white or black. It's mainly produced in Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, and Gansu; not in Hebei.

Helan Inkstone, made from Helan stone, produces ink quickly, doesn't clog, and is durable. With a cover, it keeps ink for days. Famous like Duan stone, it's loved by artists.