Temple rubbings are made by placing paper over the intricate designs carved on stone temple walls, and then rubbed with colored chalk inks, producing an exact likeness of the wall carving.

They are from the various temples in and around Bangkok, Thailand, as well as from the many temples at Angor Wat in Cambodia. Started in the early 1960's, they were hand rubbed by skilled artisans. The Thai rubbings were done using quality rice paper, while the Cambodian rubbings were made using special kite paper, imported from China. The techniques are quite different, and for the most part, the Cambodian rubbings are done in relief, and therefore have a more 3-dimensional embossed look. When lit by low wattage, these rubbings simply come to life.

Most rubbings represent female spirits of nature called Apsaras, who perform for the gods. Other rubbings depict scenes from the Hindu epic Ramayana. Over the years, both Governments became aware that this rubbing process was causing surface erosion and permanently damaging the treasured temple wall carvings. As a result, the use of original carvings is now banned, and the process is done using replicas only.

Click on any lamp below to enlarge for a detailed view and description