A stone monument catches your eye during a journey.
I have no experience in calligraphy, let alone the ability to read ancient documents.
The weathered characters blend into the scenery and pass by unnoticed.

The other day, I had the opportunity to observe the process of making a rubbing.
It was my first time witnessing this art.

Water is applied, and a sheet of Xuan paper is placed over the surface.
Even with the same application of water, the drying process differs between the upper and lower sections.
Over time, water drips down from the lower part of the paper.
The work progresses, carefully calculated step by step.

The technique of rubbings reveals the past.

It restores the calligraphy as an art form.
It preserves history that has been buried and forgotten.
It exists simply as a piece of work created through the rubbing process.

The texture of Xuan paper, combined with the rhythm of the artist’s brush, allows the ink to spread gracefully.
From the raised white characters, one can almost hear music.
The rubbing transforms into a standalone piece, independent of the original monument.

As I gazed upon it, I found myself wanting to know more about its content.

That curiosity led me to confront a tragic piece of history.
As I delved into the background, waves of anger and helplessness surged within me.
It’s always the citizens who bear the sacrifices, caught in the maelstrom of nations and politics.

Since this is a private monument, I will refrain from delving further and end my reflections here.

Regardless, it was a meaningful day that made me realize the potential of rubbings.

Thank you, Mr. Kusuo Hino, for the experience.

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：Nanyu HINO　
Born in 1961 in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan.
Specializes in the study of the Four Treasures of the Study (brush, ink, paper, and inkstone) and rubbings.
Serves as a part-time lecturer at Daito Bunka University and Kokugakuin University.
Representative of the Japan Rubbing Association.

Takes an interdisciplinary approach to research and investigations, focusing on the integration and parallel study of brushes, ink, inkstones, paper, and rubbings.

A member of the Washi Cultural Research Society, Hino is actively engaged in themes such as:

・Brushes used for washi paper

・Changes in ink color on washi paper

・Applications of rubbings using washi paper

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