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Brief introduction:
Calligraphy rubbings in Chinese tradition carry strong associations of remembrance and loss. The practice of making rubbings developed from copying early examples of text carved into ancient stone stele, with such stele characteristically acting as memorials or markers of abandoned sites and/or commemorated historical events. Existing as a form of ancient remains, these steles often lamented the past through written words carved into their surface. These words, as representative examples of famous calligraphers, were repeatedly copied and passed through centuries, slowly becoming part of the present.
Calligraphy:
In the history of Chinese art, calligraphy has always been held in equal importance to painting. Great attention is also paid today to its development by holding exhibitions of ancient and contemporary works and by organizing competitions among youngsters and people from various walks of life. Sharing of experience in this field often makes Chinese calligraphy, like the script itself, began with the hieroglyphs and, over the long ages of evolution, has developed various styles and schools, constituting an important part of the heritage of national culture.
Rubbings:
Rubbings vary and are called by different names according to the ink used. Wujinta (black gold rubbings) are made with very black ink; chanyita (cicada wing rubbings) are made with very light ink; zhuta (vermilion rubbings) with vermilion ink. To make rubbings is to make copies from these cut inscriptions or pictures, The method followed is rather simple in principle: paste a wetted piece of soft but firm paper (xuan paper is normally used) closely over the stone tablet or bronze and beat it lightly all over with the cushioned end of a stick so that the parts of paper over the cut hollows will sink in. The paper is then left on to dry. Then ink is applied by dabbing it on until the paper is turned into a copy with white characters or drawings on a black ground. Removed and dried, it becomes the rubbing. To make rubbings from carved inscriptions was the earliest method of making copies in China before printing was invented. In ancient times, engravings were often made on stone of important imperial decrees, texts of Confucian classics, Buddhist scriptures, proved medical recipes as well as poems, pictures and calligraphic works by noted men of-letters so that they may be appreciated and pre-served for posterity.As inscriptions on bronze, stone or wood wear out with time, early rubbings made from famous pieces of work are more valued and cherished than the ones made later.
Calligraphy rubbings:
Calligraphy rubbings are convenient and meaningful mementoes for foreign tourists to remind them of their China tours. They are especially liked by Japanese visitors who share the same written character.
Besides, Xian has more than 300 steles dating from the Han, Wei, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties collected in the Forest of Steles in Xian. Books of rubbings from some of the most famous Chinese calligraphers can be purchased there. If you are interested in Chinese history, language, or calligraphy, then this is an excellent opportunity to enrich your collection of calligraphic rubbings.