TEMPLE RUBBINGS THE UNUSUAL OPPORTUNITY
This is a business where a person with no art talent can produce art!
Temple or gravestone rubbing is believed to have originated with the ancient (300 BC) Chinese. It was
an efficient method of communicating the "written word" and a forerunner to the printing press.
The Emperors had their laws, slogans and messages carved in stone (that's easy for an Emperor to do)
then transformed to parchment by rubbing with colored wax or other permanent dye material.
Centuries later, pictures (stone and metal reliefs) were carved expressly for this purpose and today
several Asian countries feature large temple rubbings commonly called batiks, which is technically a
misnomer.
The name batik more properly refers to designed fabric that is coated with a wax, a design scratched
or applied with a heated tool, and dipped in dye. Since the dye only affects parts not protected or by
wax, the design remains when the wax is washed out. A marbling effect can be achieved when the
dye is allowed (or forced) to seep into cracks in the wax caused by crumpling when cooled.
Although carved stone and metals are the most popular subjects for rubbing, virtually any solid relief
surface can yield an interesting rubbing product: medals, leaves, architectural reliefs, cultural, historic,
or commemorative plaques.
Most commercial rubbings come from church and courtyard reliefs. Their attraction and value are
enhanced by unusual materials, novel rubbing techniques, impressive frames and by novel innovations
such as certificates of authenticity.
Perhaps the most interesting source for rubbings is old graveyards - in any country! The markers and
design are not only historical, they are often art works of a bygone age.
Temple rubbings and gravestone rubbings are essentially the same. Generally, impressions of oriental
designs are called temple rubbings, while gravestone rubbings are usually from markers and tombs.
The two terms can be used interchangeably in the business.
A major market for gravestone rubbings is descendants and genealogical projects. Many family
records include information from old markers; some have photographs and/or rubbings of those old
markers.. Because some of the stone markers are in soft material like limestone, the photographs may
eventually be the only legible record.
Gravestone rubbings from the tomb of an ancient relative might be considered quite a prize - and not
for just for their sentimental value.
The basic tools needed to begin the art of temple or gravestone rubbings are:
A piece of dry sponge, foam plastic or blackboard eraser and a soft brush to prepare the surface that is
to be rubbed.
Fabric or paper to place over the design to reproduce it.
A rubbing marker, such as a commercial lumber crayon, or large flat sided school crayon to rub over
the design.
Tape and twine to hold the fabric in place - and perhaps a kneeling pad.
For the rubbing fabric, its is best to use white butcher paper at first. It is expensive and will do for
learning and can even be saved and mounted.
To make your rubbings look their best, however, it is best to feature an unusual or interesting fabric.
One idea is to use marbleized paper, another is to buy or make your own special effect fabric; still
another is wallpaper - fabric or paper with a nice texture.
The fabric and frame should be coordinated and both should complement or contrast with the rubbing
itself. A variation is to use a light fabric for the actual rubbing, and contrasting dark color and/or texture
for a border within the frame.
Another idea for a marker is to make your own applicator. A pad should be relatively flat, porous and
about 4" across (although others sizes might be used for special parts of the job).
One suggestion is to start with a cutout circle of 1/8" plywood, about 3" in diameter. Glue a powder
puff to one side and a handle to the other, then cover with a piece of 1/4" thick foam rubber (like wet
suit material). Tie the foam material together on the handle side to leave a smooth convex surface on
the rubbing side. This "tool" can be dipped in burnt umbra or other wet or dry stain and rubbed in a light
circular motion to produce a very smooth, unstreaked reproduction of the relief.
Variations in rubbing pressure, staining material color and consistency, size and shape of the pad, fabric
and your rubbing techniques will produce a wide variety of effects. Experiment until you find the ones
you want.
Frames can be purchased or custom made. If not covered with glass, the finished rubbing should be
sprayed with a protective covering such as Gloss Finish, which is used to spray finished charcoal
drawings to prevent smearing (available at any art store).
The higher your asking price, the more important it is to protect and "showcase" your finished rubbing "under glass."
To make your first temple rubbing, select your subject, and a nice dry day. Clean the surface
thoroughly with your sponge or brush. Use a little vinegar to for stubborn moss spots (let it dry before
attempting to rub). Do not use anything harder or you risk scoring the surface which can damage the
subject and lower the quality of your rubbing. Remove as much moss as possible for the best
representation.
Next, place the fabric over the design and tape (or tie) it in place. Always use larger sheets fabric so
there is plenty of margin to tie or tape without touching any of the surface that is to appear in your
finished rubbing.
Peel off the paper from your crayon marker ( or dip your sponge pad) and use the flat side of the
marker to gently rub over the raised portions of the design from the center outward all around until you
have a light representation of the design.
Reverse directions and work from the outside in, gradually applying more and more pressure until you
have just the amount of color, contrast and design that you want.. Study your rubbing from all angles
and distances while it is still held firmly in place. Darken desired areas and correct any errors
BEFORE removing the tape or ties. Once you move the fabric, you are finished with that impression!
It should be mentioned here that some "experts" deliberately move their rubbing fabrics slightly during
their process. They complete the rubbing in the basic color then move the fabric slightly. The next step
is to go over the highlights with a contrasting color - for a sort of highlight or 3-D effect.
Especially in a foreign country, always check with the proper authorities before attempting any type of
rubbing activity, regardless of whether the object is on private, public or religious property.
It is not only good manners, but it can save embarrassment and possibly hard feelings. There could be
religious, political, family or cultural considerations as well as property rights.
It is impossible to predict what your temple and/or gravestone rubbing might sell for (somewhere in the
$10 to $1,000 range?). The price you realize will depend on the quality of your work, the subjects and
their artistic appeal, as well as their frames and the manner in which they are marketed. The highest
prices can be realized with glass covered creations in a attractive, contrasting fabric bordered frames
and presented in art gallery fashion.
Tip: If your subjects are oriental, you might hire an oriental person to sell market them.
Persons visiting or serving in overseas assignments have a unique opportunity to find interesting and
historical rubbing subjects,. But, there are also plenty of "stateside" opportunities as well.
Consider just one specialty: epitaphs. There are some pretty curious examples in some of the old
graveyards across the country, including funny sayings, terse explanation of occupant's downfall and
not a few with major errors.
In the past, most markers were not carved by professionals or scholars - many were made by people
who hardly could read and knew very little about stone carving. Some have words or letters missing or
crammed in at the end of lines. Some even have corrections - IN STONE! There are some very
interesting (and valuable) collections out there - patiently waiting for an enterprising entrepreneur.
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