Temple and gravestone rubbings offer a rare chance to create striking artwork without needing traditional artistic talent. This craft has deep historical roots and remains a unique business opportunity for travelers, history enthusiasts, and creative entrepreneurs.
A Brief History
Rubbing techniques date back to ancient China (around 300 BC). Emperors had their laws and proclamations carved into stone, then reproduced onto parchment by applying colored wax or pigment over paper laid on the carvings. This method became an early form of mass communication long before the printing press.
Over time, artisans began carving images specifically for rubbing. Today, several Asian cultures still produce large “temple rubbings,” often mistakenly called batiks. True batik is a wax‑resist dyeing technique on fabric, not a rubbing, but the term has become loosely associated with these artworks.
What Can Be Used for Rubbings?
Although stone and metal reliefs are the most common sources, almost any raised design can produce an interesting rubbing:
- Architectural details
- Medals and coins
- Leaves and natural textures
- Historical plaques
- Cultural or commemorative markers
Churches, courtyards, and old cemeteries are especially rich sources. Many gravestones are themselves works of art, and rubbings preserve their designs long after the original stone begins to weather.
Why Gravestone Rubbings Matter
Genealogists and family historians often seek rubbings of ancestral markers. Some older stones—especially limestone—are deteriorating, and rubbings or photographs may eventually be the only surviving record. A well‑made rubbing from an ancestor’s tomb can be both a sentimental keepsake and a valuable historical artifact.
Tools You Need to Get Started
Beginning this craft requires only simple, inexpensive tools:
- A dry sponge, foam pad, or soft brush to clean the surface
- Paper or fabric to capture the design
- A rubbing medium such as a lumber crayon or flat‑sided school crayon
- Tape or twine to secure the paper
- Optional: a kneeling pad for comfort
For practice, white butcher paper works well. Once you’re confident, experiment with more distinctive materials such as marbled paper, textured wallpaper, or custom‑dyed fabrics. The fabric and frame should complement the rubbing for the best presentation.
Creating Your Own Rubbing Tools
Some artists prefer to make their own applicators. One method:
- Cut a 3″ circle of thin plywood.
- Glue a powder puff to one side and attach a handle to the other.
- Cover the puff with ¼” foam rubber and tie it off behind the handle.
Dip this pad into pigment (such as burnt umber) and apply it in smooth, circular motions for a soft, even finish. Adjusting pressure, color, pad size, and fabric type will produce a wide range of artistic effects.
How to Make a Rubbing
- Choose a dry day and clean the surface gently. Vinegar can help remove moss—just let it dry completely before rubbing.
- Place your paper or fabric over the design and secure it firmly.
- Using the flat side of your crayon or pad, begin rubbing lightly from the center outward.
- Reverse direction and gradually increase pressure until the design appears with the desired contrast.
- Inspect your work before removing the paper. Once the fabric shifts, the impression cannot be corrected.
Some artists intentionally shift the fabric slightly and apply a second color to create a subtle 3‑D or highlighted effect.
Respecting Property and Culture
Always obtain permission before making rubbings—especially in foreign countries, religious sites, or private cemeteries. Cultural, religious, or legal restrictions may apply, and courtesy goes a long way toward avoiding misunderstandings.
Turning Rubbings Into a Business
Finished rubbings can sell anywhere from $10 to $1,000, depending on:
- Subject matter
- Artistic quality
- Presentation and framing
- Rarity or historical significance
High‑end pieces are typically framed under glass with coordinated fabrics and borders. Unique subjects—especially unusual epitaphs, historic markers, or foreign temple carvings—can command premium prices.
Travelers and expatriates often have access to remarkable rubbing opportunities abroad, but there are countless fascinating subjects in local cemeteries and historic districts as well.
Supplies and Resources
- The Kelsey Co. – Printing and relief materials
- Dick Blick – Art, sculpture, and craft supplies
- El Do Plastics – Sponge rubber pads and related tools
- Meyers Publishing – Art Business News magazine
- Fabric Finders – Wholesale fabrics
- JAPS – Picture framing supplies
- Picture Art Industries – Wholesale framed artwork
- Communications Channels, Inc. – Art Material Trade News
- Dover Publications – Clip art, stencils, and design books
- Quill Corporation – Office supplies
- Swedco – Rubber stamps and business cards