Water Marbling - Ebru

Ebru’s original name was Ebre in Jagatai dialect and during its journey through Iran via the Silk Road this name was changed into Ebri (cloud-like) then Abru (face of water). Seljukian and Ottoman periods saw a widespread performance of this art in the Asia Minor with its final name Ebru. Ebru is the only word used today in Turkey.

As the Europeans discovered this art via merchants and pilgrims at the beginning of the 17th century, they called it Turkish Paper and later Water Marbling.

Ebru Practice:

Traditionally Ebru is done in Water that has been thickened with the addition of the naturally occurring substance, Gum tragacanth, a special type of glue.

Paints obtained form mineral oxides, again another natural product, one mixed with Ox-Gall, and then sprinkled over the surface of the water and dispersed with the help of brushes made from rose branches and horse hair.

The design that occurs on the surface of the water can be given form, motifs and flower Designs can be added, and then placing a sheet of Paper over the design, the design is transferred to the new medium.