The inkcake in the form of a flattened globe is inscribed along the edge, 'Manufactured by Hu Ka Wen, the first established factory, Hsiu-nin, Anhui, China, a memorial for Panama exhibition U.S.A. 1915'. Hu Kaiwen was active between 1850-1864. Thereafter, his family continued to manufacture ink, continuing to use his name.

For information on Fang Yulu, one of the most celebrated late Ming inkmakers whose name is inscribed on the circular inkcake molded with fungus sprays, see G. Tsang and H. Moss, Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Hong Kong, p. 196, no. 175.