請將下面這段話翻譯成英文：

　　在中國，筆、墨、紙、硯(ink slab)，就是人們所說的“文房四寶”，在文明的傳承中起了重要作用。文房四寶不僅有實用價值，它們本身也是供人觀賞的藝術(shù)品，并逐步成為收藏品。文房四寶品類繁多，豐富多彩，選材制作不斷趨于完善、精美，歷代都有名品、名匠產(chǎn)生，成為一種深厚的文化積淀。在當(dāng)今時代，使用筆、墨、紙、硯進(jìn)行學(xué)習(xí)、寫作的人越來越少了，但是，在中國的書法、繪畫、收藏以及修身養(yǎng)性活動中，它們?nèi)云鹬�不可替代的作用�?/P>

　　參考譯文：

　　In China, “four treasures of the study” refers to “writing brush”, “ink stick”, “paper” and “ink slab”, playing an important role in passing on Chinese civilization. They not only have their value of practical use, but also become the works of art for appreciation and collection. There is a large variety of these four treasures. Selecting of materials and making process have become increasingly delicate and perfect. Each dynasty of Chinese history saw famous craftsmen appear and works produced, which is a profound process of cultural accumulation.In contemporary times, “four treasures of the study” have been increasingly rarely used for study or writhing, but they are still playing an irreplaceable role in the field of Chinese calligraphy, painting, collection and in the activities of cultivating one's mind.