The Ebru Marbling Process
In Ebru paper marbling brilliant colors swirl together, moved by a thin needle-like stick to create ornate flower designs, which are then transferred to paper.
Our teacher, Betül Şengüler, a master of her craft here in Istanbul, Turkey, demonstrates how to layer the colors on the surface of the thick liquid base. Materials include oily ox gall, rich natural pigments mixed with water, and a variety of wooden tools with wires and needles protruding. Taking a paint brush loaded with pigment and tapping it on a finger fills the tray with round bursts of color. The colors push against each other, competing for space. Once the desired combination has been found the background is swirled together gracefully. The smoother the motion of the needles, the more perfect the design. Every movement matters.
And then the dots are added again, more precisely this time. This creates the beginning of the flower design. Carefully pulled paint with a thin needle tool forms the marbled shapes. Our expert shows us how to create tulips, roses and hyacinths. And my favorite – the imaginary flower! Her hands move effortlessly, ours are more hesitant, but the results are stunning even for a beginner.
Gently lowering a sheet of paper over the design transfers it. Then we leave the sheets to dry. Three days we come back to this workshop to learn the art of Ebru. Almost like meditation for the soul, this art soothes, focuses and relaxes the artist. A new skill, to return to again and again.
One of our camp weeks this summer is all about Turkey! Ebru paper marbling will also be a project option during our 4th/5th grade homeschool co-op.
The Long History of Marbling
Ebru has a long history in Turkey. During the 13th century the first forms of Ebru were recorded. Soon ebru marbled papers became used in book binding and for documents. You may well have seen marbled paper in antique western books, but the Turkish art goes far beyond these simple designs. Designated as a “Intangible Cultural Heritage Art” this paper marbling continues to be passed down through generations. The more complex designs take time and skill to create. No two images will ever be exactly the same!
This wonderful website goes into great detail about the history and importance of Ebru, a great resource for those hoping to learn more about Turkish art. http://www.turkishculture.org/traditional-arts/marbling-113.htm
A day in Istanbul, Turkey
To really appreciate Ebru marbling we need to wander through Istanbul to get a sense of how this colorful culture translates to art. The vibrant country of Turkey blends old and new, east and west. It has a rich history (think Helen of Troy, and Ephesus), and an equally fascinating modern day. Art here developed over many centuries and remains important today. For example, Turkish tile work features intricate, colorful designs. And Turkish carpets find their way into homes around the globe, for good reason!
Istanbul, a huge city that sits in the balance between Asia and Europe, offers the traveler an experience for the senses. Wander through the spice markets and revel in the colors and the scents. Or head to one of the giant mosques, the most famous of which are Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, sisters connected by a short walk. Wrap one of the colorful scarves around your head, slip off your shoes, and sit on the soft, dark green carpet inside. Listen to the sound of the minarets during worship time, towering around the mosque with microphones that blast the prayers.
Then wander on to get yourself a delicious desert – baklava comes in every flavor here, flaky and perfect! Towards evening head to a Turkish Hammam and get scrubbed from head to toe by strong hands. “The Hammam is important, very important, to our culture” a shop keeper tells you, after he asks what you’ve done that day. Then, when you’re sure you’ve experienced enough for one day, head out for delicious dinner. Thick veggies arrive, cooked in a brown ceramic pot and served bubbling hot.
This is the backdrop for a long history of beautiful art, including ebru paper marbling. The vibrant city, swirled together just like ebru pigments, a blend of east and west, can be seen in the the creations of its artists.
