Marbling Materials

Each material used in Ebru (Turkish Paper Marbling) plays an essential role in bringing the artwork to life. Below are the basic tools and ingredients I use in my practice:

1. Tray (Tekne)

The marbling process takes place inside a tray. It can be made of metal, glass, wood, or plastic. The tray is usually slightly larger than the paper being used. A traditional size is around 35 × 50 cm with a depth of 5 cm.

2. Carrageenan (Kitre)

Carrageenan is a natural thickening agent derived from seaweed. It makes the water surface viscous so the paints can float instead of sinking. The mixture needs to rest for several hours before use.

3. Brushes

Traditional brushes are made from horsehair tied onto rose branches. Their flexibility and softness allow the paint to spread evenly. Different brush sizes create different effects.

4. Paints / Pigments

Natural pigments, often from earth or minerals, are ground and mixed with water to make paint. Each pigment has its own spreading quality, so careful adjustment is needed. Prepared pigment mixes are also sometimes used.

5. Ox-Gall (Öd)

A natural agent that helps paints spread smoothly on the surface and prevents them from sinking. Only a few drops are added to the paint mixture to achieve the right balance.

6. Jars

Each pigment is stored in a separate jar. Extra jars are useful for mixing colors and preparing different paint consistencies.

7. Droppers

Droppers are used to add ox-gall or other liquids to the paint mixtures in very small, precise amounts.

8. Needles / Stylus

Thin metal rods or needles are used to manipulate the floating paints. They help create lines, circles, and fine details.

9. Combs

Special combs with evenly spaced teeth are drawn through the floating colors to create linear, wave-like, or intricate patterns.

10. Turpentine

Used occasionally to give additional texture or depth to the paints. A separate brush is used for turpentine so it does not affect other colors.

11. Newsprint

Sheets of newsprint are used to clean the surface of the tray between prints and to remove excess paint.

12. Water

Clean, soft water with low calcium and chlorine content is ideal. Distilled water works best, as it ensures consistency in the painting process.

The Ebru Process

Creating an Ebru artwork is a delicate journey of color, water, and patience. Each step requires care, and together they bring the magic of marbling to life.

1. Preparing the Water
   A natural thickening agent, traditionally made from plant extracts, is mixed into water. This makes the surface dense enough for colors to float instead of sinking.
   
   

2. Adding the Colors
   Natural or specially prepared pigments are sprinkled onto the water with brushes made from horsehair and rose branches. Each color spreads in circular patterns across the surface.
   
   

3. Shaping the Designs
   Using simple tools such as needles, combs, or stylus sticks, the artist gently moves the floating colors. With these motions, patterns emerge — from flowing abstract designs to delicate flowers, leaves, or geometric forms.
   
   

4. Transferring to Paper
   Once the design is complete, a sheet of paper is carefully laid on the water’s surface. The paper instantly absorbs the colors and the pattern. When lifted, the artwork is revealed.
   
   

5. Drying and Finishing
   The paper is left to dry, preserving the unique design permanently. No two Ebru works are ever the same, making each piece a one-of-a-kind creation.