Introduction
During the Northern Song dynasty, the finest rubbings of engraved calligraphic models were revered as being “second only to the originals.” Before the invention of printing with moveable type, rubbings such as these were one of the primary means people in ancient China used to reproduce the works of famous calligraphers. Rubbings primarily functioned as collectors’ items, or as models to be copied either by writing while referring to the replicated calligraphy, or by directly tracing the written characters. Over time, the focal points for appreciating and critiquing these reproduced works became the level of intricacy of their engraving, as well as the evolution of techniques used to take rubbings from them. Rubbings from engraved works of calligraphy started to become popular during the Tang dynasty (618-907); during and after the Song dynasty (960-1279), it became increasingly popular for individuals to create their own rubbings. This custom was to have a deep and lasting influence on the circulation and preservation of ancient calligraphers’ works.
Taking inspiration from these historical trends, this exhibition presents calligraphy in the five major scripts—seal script, clerical script, cursive, running script, and regular script—in a chronology that spans the ages and reveal the principles and ideals underlying each script. This show offers selections of varied origins, including from the most exquisite treasures of the former Qing dynasty’s palaces in Beiping and Rehe (present-day Beijing and Hebei province, respectively), new acquisitions made by the NPM in recent years, as well as calligraphic rubbings donated to the museum by generous benefactors from near and far. These renowned calligraphic works are presented in fourteen groupings. It is our aspiration that, via these rare stele rubbings that are “second only to the originals,” we will be able to enter into conversation with some of the most representative calligraphers, calligraphy theorists, and calligraphic works from China’s long and storied history. With this abundant spread before us, we invite museum visitors to feast their eyes upon the calligraphic styles and artistic achievements of those who followed the legacies of the great calligraphers of the Jin and Tang dynasties.