Paper marbling is one of the oldest art styles of Eastern Hemisphere lands. Marbling artwork has endless possibilities with every pattern. Also, they’ve got an authentic stance in every painting. Discovering paper marbling art starts with learning the origins and basic techniques. This makes it possible for you to get to know the form closely and apply it in your DIY projects.
What is the Art Of Paper Marbling?
The art of marbling is a traditional art form that is based on expected Chinese origins. However, the art form was revolutionized by the Ottoman Empire. In Turkish the form’s name is called “Ebru”. The basic components of the technique are dye, tragacanth, water, and absorbent paper. The dye was used on the water with a tray during the painting process. After the designing process, the paper was placed on the paper tray. Thereby, classic and soft patterns turn into pieces of art.
History of Paper Marbling Art
The history of paper marbling has a complicated background. Some kinds of resources think the place of origin is Chinese and Japanese. For all that, development and appreciation process started at Turkestan lands about the 8th-9th centuries. You can see below the details of the development steps in Turkestan to the Ottoman Empire:
Early Origins
The Marbling on paper first appeared in the 8th-9th centuries and was called “Ebru”. At this point, we can see the cultural engagement’s impact. Because the art form moved from Central Asia to Anatolia with the Silk Road trade. In the Turkic area first application started at Buhara City of Uzbekistan.
In the Anatolian field, the countries and empires embraced paper marbling and made it a tradition. So with that, the paper-marbling art form reached a valuable position. Today, we can see “Ebru” is a part of religious and ideological reflection in the historical resources and paintings.
Spread and Evolution
Paper marbling has been changed in terms of technique and approach for centuries. In the 16th century, the art form moved to Europe with voyagers. After that paper marbling reached new structural features with European-Western approaches. Thereby, both form’s reputation and value increased. In today’s world, the technique still living and being applied at art studios & workshops.
Common Techniques of Paper Marbling
The marbled paper techniques are sorted by patterns. For example, the technique named “Taraklı” which means “Crested” has linear and parallel patterns with mixed colors. These paintings have a simple structure. So there are no flower motifs and counterparts. You can see below the other paper marbling techniques and usage fields:
- Turkish Spot is based on bubble motifs. This method is the first step of many other techniques.
- Japanese Suminagashi occurs in trapezoidal rings extending from the inside out. The appearance looks like modern art forms.
- “Git-Gel” pattern based on the mixing colors in the bath with back and forward movements.
- The French Curl technique starts with big bubbled dye parts. After choosing colors, you need to mix them with a vortical gesture in the marbling bath.
There are a lot of other paper marbling techniques which based on movements. If you are interested, you can examine methods such as Battal, Akkase, and Floral.
Applications of Paper Marbling
The application reason of paper marbling art has evolved over time. First examples are used for religious, artistic, and political reasons. However, today’s painting is more like a hobby and artistic approach. If you wanna see the other copies about that, you can review the components below:
Traditional Uses
In traditional area, Ebru marbling art was applied for signatures in the Middle & Modern Ages. The signature uses took under scope the technique “Battal” in Turkish. Simple colored big shapes belong “Battal” method. The color and shape factor brings the success of signature’s clarified appearance. Signature paintings were used by European and Ottoman aristocrats.
Contemporary and Innovative Applications
Marbling on paper continued its evolution in time. The art form is affected by other techniques and geographies. So with that never used its value. In modern world, the technique shows similarity with psychedelic art forms. Also, attracts attention from art lovers. With professional painting studies, you can see amateur art examples based on hobby purposes.
Exploring the Possibilities
Marbling paint art has infinite possibilities and freedom. Also, access to the tools and kits is so easy for this art form. When you learn the technique and review inspiration channels, you can start making your own artwork. Here is some information for the paper marbling learning journey:
Modern Adaptations of Tools
Traditional paper marbling materials consist of natural components like animal gall. However, modern components are based on chemical products. Also, the baths diversified with plastic and metal parts. Thereby, special tools become easier to reach. For hobby studies, you may prefer the paper marbling kits from art shops.
DIY Marbling Art Projects
Marbling art form may be a good choice for “do it yourself” projects. For this study, some art shops present marbling art kit and tools that include the whole components. After that, you can start painting with online courses or workshop training.
Inspiring Innovations
In history, marbling designs started with mixed patterns and have been regulated over time. The art form is based on endless possibilities and has many inspiration channels. Therefore, you can create your style in DIY studies. Also, you may review the platforms like Pinterest and follow the other creators. So with that, you can make unique and authentic works in this art form.
If you liked our “Paper Marbling” content, you can review the History of Art page!
