What is marbling art (ebru), and how is it made?

Ebru is the art of creating patterns with paints on a thickened water surface and transferring them to paper. Its name is linked to the Persian-origin words “ebr” (cloud) or “âb-ru” (face of the water). Because the same pattern can never be repeated exactly, every ebru is unique. Turkish ebru art is on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Basic materials

• Tray: A shallow, wide, rectangular container, slightly larger than the paper.
• Thickening agent: Thickens the water; traditionally gum tragacanth (kitre) is used. It lets the paints float instead of sinking.
• Paint: Powder or liquid paints made for ebru, prepared with an additive such as ox gall so they spread on the surface.
• Brush: Traditionally made of horsehair and rose stem; used to drop paint onto the surface.
• Paper: Absorbent paper, usually pre-treated with an alum solution.
• Needle or stick: Used to pull the paints and shape them.

Making ebru step by step

1. 1Prepare the thickened waterDissolve the tragacanth by soaking it in water and pour it into the tray. Wait until the surface is still.
2. 2Prepare the paperTreat the paper with alum water and let it dry so the paint adheres.
3. 3Drop the paintsDip the brush in paint and tap it lightly over the surface to leave drops. The drops spread in rings.
4. 4Shape the patternPull and drag the paints with a needle or stick. If you like, use a comb-like tool to arrange lines.
5. 5Lay the paper on the surfaceStarting from one edge, lower the paper slowly onto the pattern. Avoid trapping air bubbles.
6. 6Lift and dryLift the paper slowly, rinse it gently with clean water, and let it dry flat.

Well-known pattern types

• Battal: A plain pattern where the paints spread in drops without being pulled.
• Gelgit: A pattern made by drawing back-and-forth lines with a needle.
• Tarak (comb): A pattern with regular lines made with a comb.
• Floral ebru: Patterns of tulips, carnations, roses and other flowers created with a needle and brush.