Marbling is also known as ‘Ebru’. The word Ebru is thought to have been derived from the Persion word “Ebr” which means “clouds”. Marbling is the art of creating colorful patterns by sprinkling and brushing color pigment on water and then transferring this pattern on to paper.
The special tools used for water marbling include
- horsehair brushes tied with rose twine
- natural earth pigments
- ox gall
- combs
- carrageenan
- bodkin
- paper
The art originated in the 13th century in Turkistan and subsequently spread to China, Persia, India and Anatolia. From there it continued its spread, facilitated by merchants from the Ottoman Empire.
The best known patterns are Battal, Gelgit, stone marble, Spanish wave, Italian vein, Hatib, etc.
This art form was used as book covers and end papers in bookbinding.
It was also used in the manufacture of commercial papers and official documents for it served to prevent forgery.
Currently paper marbling is used in art and home decoration.
