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Ink Rubbing

early 20th century (made), 6th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

These sixteen ink rubbings are from the Diamond Sutra, a Buddhist text that has been carved into the cliff face of Mount Tai in Shandong province, China. Over 2700 characters were carved into the rock, covering a total area of 1987 square metres. The sutra was carved during the 6th century, while the ink rubbing was made in the early 20th century. Ink rubbings like these were collected and appreciated as examples of early styles of calligraphy.



Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Ink rubbing on paper
Brief description
Ink rubbing on paper, from Diamond Sutra, Mount Tai, China, early 20th century
Physical description
Ink rubbing on paper
Dimensions
  • Length: 485mm
  • Height: 455mm
  • Length: 620mm (Note: Mount)
  • Height: 900mm (Note: Mount)
Content description
character for xi (west) in clerical script.
Credit line
Given by Professor Roderick Whitfield
Object history
Roderick Whitfield acquired this group of rubbings through David Newman around 1985. According to David Newman, they were the property of an elderly English lady who had acquired them in the 1930s.
Literary referenceThe Diamond Sutra
Summary
These sixteen ink rubbings are from the Diamond Sutra, a Buddhist text that has been carved into the cliff face of Mount Tai in Shandong province, China. Over 2700 characters were carved into the rock, covering a total area of 1987 square metres. The sutra was carved during the 6th century, while the ink rubbing was made in the early 20th century. Ink rubbings like these were collected and appreciated as examples of early styles of calligraphy.

Collection
Accession number
FE.70:11-2016

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Record createdAugust 8, 2016
Record URL
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