Pronunciation: [ɹˈʌbɪŋz] (IPA) 
The word "rubbings" refers to the process of taking an impression of a surface by rubbing it with a material like paper or pencil. It is spelled with a double "b" to indicate the sound of a voiced bilabial stop /b/ followed by a voiced bilabial fricative /b̪/. The vowel sound in the first syllable is transcribed as /ʌ/ or "uh" and in the second syllable as /ɪ/ or "ih". Therefore, the IPA transcription for "rubbings" is /ˈrʌbɪŋz/.
Rubbings, in the context of art and conservation, refer to a technique commonly used to create reproductions of engravings, inscriptions, or other textured surfaces. It involves placing a piece of paper or fabric over the desired surface and then gently rubbing it with graphite, charcoal, wax, chalk, or other dry media to transfer the pattern onto the substrate.
This process allows the artist or conservator to capture intricate details and textures that would otherwise be challenging to reproduce accurately. Rubbings are often employed to replicate historical or ancient artifacts, such as tombstone engravings, stone carvings, brass or metal plaques, and architectural elements. By creating a rubbing, one can obtain a precise and faithful copy of the original surface.
This technique has been used for centuries and spans various cultures, such as Japanese suminagashi or frottage in Western art. Rubbings present a non-invasive alternative to other reproduction methods that could potentially damage delicate or irreplaceable objects. They also serve as valuable tools for documentation, research, and restoration purposes, as they provide a tangible record of the original piece.
Beyond the realms of traditional art and conservation, "rubbings" can also denote the act of applying a rubbing motion to a surface as a cleaning or polishing method. For instance, rubbing a cloth against a dusty furniture piece could remove dirt particles, or rubbing polish onto a metal surface could bring out its shine.
The word "rubbings" comes from the verb "rub", which originated from the Old English word "rubbettan". This Old English term meant to push, drive away, or scrape. Over time, the word "rub" evolved to also denote the action of applying pressure against a surface in a back-and-forth motion. Eventually, the term "rubbings" emerged to specifically refer to the act of making an impression by rubbing a material against a surface, such as when creating a rubbing of an engraved or inscribed object.
