EBRU: The Art Of Paper Marbling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eISmeQ4wlSM

Marbling  is a traditional Turkish art of paper decoration by spreading paints, which do not dissolve in water, with brushes made of horse hair and rose wood on dense water that is thickened by gum-tragacanth. 

The word Ebru originaly comes from Persian language (Ebri-eyebrow or Ab-ru-face of water) Ebru in Turkish  means marbling. It isn't known exactly when or where the art of marbling started but the early examples are from the 16th century in the Ottoman-Turkish era and spread from the east to the west by way of Silk Road and other trade routes. 

For centuries, marbling  was an art form found only inside the covers of books. The basic technique which, throughout all its historical variations, has never changed. The process is always the same: paints are made to float on the surface of water where they are manipulated into designs and then transferred to a sheet of paper. Ebru artists knowledge and skills, as well as the philosophy behind this art, are transmitted orally and through informal practical training within master-apprentice relationships.

Ebru was listed in 2014 by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
 

MATERIALS USED IN EBRU ART

Ebru Paints:Natural colors which do not dissolve in water 

Tragacanth: Tragacanth is a type of natural gum  found in Anatolia.

Ox Gall: In order to have ebru colours to spread on the surface of the liquid and to prevent them from sinking ox gall is used.

Tray: A tray is used to contain the liquid for marbling It is made of steel.

Brushes: Old horses' hair and dried rose stalk are used to make ebru brushes. Horse hair is preferred, because it is thick and straight, so that you can splatter paint in a desired way. It also prevents bacterias and mold from multiplying and growing. Rose stalk are flexible and durable.

Comb: Combs are used to making combed designs.

Paper: Any kind of absorbent paper which is not lacquered or polished may be used in marbling.

Source:www.ebruart.co.uk