Rubbing

Xiwangmu with smithing scene from Hongdao Yuan (宏道院), Tengzhou, Shandong. Four registers. The top two registers have Xiwangmu at the center with attendants on either side paying obeisance and possibly playing liubo. The third register is an array of beasts of various kinds. The bottom register consists of four individual scenes related to the smithing what appear to be weapons. Of the rubbings from Tengzhou, this scene has drawn the most scholarly attention because of this smithing scene. Tears and folds in the paper of the rubbing have made the image somewhat unclear. The scene on the left consists of three figures working a bellows. One of the figures is laying on the ground, probably resting from his shift on the bellows. The scene to the right of them consists of several figures smithing with one figure holding up a weapon for inspection. Swords hang from the ceiling. The next scene to the right consists of several figures working with tools. The scene on the far right consists of multiple standing figures facing to the right. Black ink on rice paper. From Han tomb reliefs. Heavier paper. Seated figure with attendants.