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Calligraphic Rubbings: Tracing the World of Ming- and Qing-Dynasty Scholars

  • Image of "Fragments of the Xiping Stone Classics (detail)Attributed to Cai Yong (132–192), China, Eastern Han dynasty, 175"

    Fragments of the Xiping Stone Classics (detail)
    Attributed to Cai Yong (132–192), China, Eastern Han dynasty, 175

    Asian Gallery (Toyokan) Room 8
    January 2, 2025 (Thu) - March 16, 2025 (Sun)

    The present exhibition features stele rubbings and copybooks of famous calligraphy by renowned calligraphers. As reproductions of the original writing, these materials were used as the basis for calligraphic studies and copies by scholars of the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1644 and 1616–1912 respectively). Together with the prefaces, postscripts, and seals that accompanied them, they offer valuable insights into the ways in which scholars of the time appreciated and researched these rubbings and copybooks.

    This marks the 22nd joint thematic exhibition that we have held together with the Taitō City Calligraphy Museum. We hope that the works on display will allow you to experience what captivated the scholars of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

    List of Exhibits

Major works in this exhibition

* Works listed below are in the TNM Collection unless otherwise indicated.

Stele Inscription on the Pagoda of Qianfusi Temple
By Yan Zhenqing (709–785), China, Tang dynasty, 752 (Gift of Mr. Takashima Kikujirō, On exhibit through February 2, 2025)

Tie Copybook of Wang Xizhi’s Shiqi
Original calligraphy by Wang Xizhi (303–361), China, Original calligraphy: Eastern Jin dynasty, 4th century (Gift of Mr. Egawa Ginshū, On exhibit from February 4, 2025)

Calligraphy in the Style of Old Copybooks in Standard, Running, and Cursive Scripts
By Liu Yong (1719–1804), China, Qing dynasty, 1786 (Gift of Mr. Takashima Kikujirō, On exhibit from February 4, 2025)

Elegant Gathering in Chengnan
By Yu Zhiding (1647–1716), China, Qing dynasty, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Takashima Kikujirō, On exhibit through February 2, 2025)

Stele Inscriptions of the Jin and Tang Dynasties in Small Standard Script
Original calligraphy by Wang Xizhi (303–361) and others; compiled by Shi Bangzhe (dates unknown), China, Original calligraphy: Eastern Jin–Tang dynasty, 4th–8th century; compilation: Southern Song dynasty, 12th century (Gift of Mr. Takashima Kikujirō, On exhibit through February 2, 2025)

The Calligraphy Album Qunyu Tang
Original calligraphy by Mi Fei; compiled by Han Tuozhou (1152–1207), China, Original calligraphy: Northern Song dynasty, 11th–12th century: compilation: Southern Song dynasty, 12th–13th century (Gift of Mr. Takashima Kikujirō, On exhibit through February 2, 2025)

Album of "Inscription on the Sweet Spring at Jiucheng Palace"
Copied by Weng Fanggang (1733-1818), China, Qing dynasty, 1791 (Gift of Mr. Takashima Kikujiro, On exhibit from February 4, 2025)

Exhibitions