Historic rubbings and modern works are on show. [Photo by Lin Qi/China Daily]

The art of making and studying rubbings, which reproduce the epigraphs on archaic bronze plates, primitive stone drums and historic tablets, is an important part of Chinese culture.

The reproductions on paper have helped preserve the essence of classic art and culture, allowing people to understand the evolution of the forms of Chinese characters, the brush writing styles and the rich information embodied within.

Modern calligraphers have continued to collect and research historic pieces of writing as a major way to inspire new work.

Historic rubbings and modern works are on show. [Photo by Lin Qi/China Daily]

More than 100 rubbings of inscriptions from as early as the Shang Dynasty (c.16th century-11th century BC) through to the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties are on show at the China National Academy of Painting and National Library of China until Tuesday, tracing the formation of the lishu, or the clerical script of Chinese calligraphy. These pieces are of rarity and refinement, formally in the collections of generations of reputed historic connoisseurs.

Also on show are dozens of works by modern calligraphers who were inspired by these invaluable rubbings.

The exhibition has been the third one of a series of shows of historic rubbings to reflect the evolutions of different calligraphic scripts, by which organizers at the China National Academy of Painting and National Library of China hope to enrich the work of calligraphers with inspiration from classic art.

Historic rubbings and modern works are on show. [Photo by Lin Qi/China Daily]

Historic rubbings and modern works are on show. [Photo by Lin Qi/China Daily]

Historic rubbings and modern works are on show. [Photo by Lin Qi/China Daily]

Historic rubbings and modern works are on show. [Photo by Lin Qi/China Daily]

Historic rubbings and modern works are on show. [Photo by Lin Qi/China Daily]

(Source: chinadaily.com.cn)