VIRTUAL: Prague Heritages

Abstract

This paper explores an alternate understanding of materiality in which rubbings act as a link between engraved stone inscriptions and calligraphic works utilizing stone inscriptions and their rubbings as the research object. Original ink calligraphy was preserved using stone carvings. Rubbings, in turn, act as a method of transmitting stone carving art. These rubbings not only improve the reputation of stone sculptures as significant monuments and ceremonial objects, but also carried their artistic style. Because of the existence of old rubbings, a new art of calligraphy was recreated, and calligraphers were indirectly involved in the re-creation of stone carving art. By studying the literati’s cultural practice of transforming materials into rubbings, we can see how critical it is to constantly refresh the link between paper and stone. Thus, Rubbings not only allow access to ancient inscriptions, but also act as a medium for their transfer. Moreover, the rubbings do not reflect the carved inscriptions’ natural placement or their interrelationship to other engravings, architecture, or the natural landscape. As a result, while rubbing has removed geographical barriers, it has also separated the stone carving from the natural landscape, reducing the stone carving’s original religious and historical importance. For this reason, this paper takes the stone inscriptions and their rubbings as the research object, to explore an alternate view of materiality in which rubbings serve as a link between engraved stone inscriptions and calligraphic works. As well as the different artistic perceptions brought about by their material forms and visual properties.