The term
"Brass Rubbings" generally refers to rubbings of monumental brasses
found in Europe, but many beautiful rubbings come from countries in Asia. For many
centuries rubbings were done in China by students who used this method to copy
the writings of Confucius which are engraved on stone plaques.
Rubbings
of antique objects make unusual decorative wall hangings.
This
combination of the back of an antique Japanese mirror from the Edo period,
flanked by rubbings of Tsuba , represents the feminine and masculine, or
ying-yang.
Tsuba are the guards between the hilt and the blade of a Samurai sword. Brass
mirrors popular at that period were reflective on one side and richly engraved
on the other.
Many such antiques are found and may be rubbed individually or in
combination to provide pictures that complement homes with an Asian theme in
their décor.
Foo dogs
are prominent in the Buddhist religion and widespread over the Far East.
The
animal usually stands guard over entrances discouraging evil spirits and
maintaining. peace and tranquility.
This rubbing depicts the foo dogs on either side of the
character for "PEACE".
The
beauty of Chinese characters creates attractive images in itself.
In this
rubbing the kanji for "Long Life" is above that for "Love".
These and
other rubbings of Asian antique artifacts may be ordered from the
Wachs
Brass Rubbing Centre.
