ART OF EBRU

A SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE MARBLING PROCESS        The paints taken from colourful rocks and soil as well as some plants are squashed with a hand stone (Desteseng) on a

marble plaque. With this process, colors of ink or paint are made thin to the extend that they float on the surface of the water.

Squashed paints are poured in the concentrated cans.

  The brushes used in sprinkling paints are made from rose strip and horshair. The size of the brushes vary

according to the place in which they are used.

A thick liquid is made by blending a type of gelatin (carregeanen) or astragalus with water. Then the water

is poured into tray.

  Each squashed paint is poured in application cans and then water and ox gall (bile) are added to them. 

   Then we are ready to begin to sprinkle the paints and practise “Ebrû” as far as we can imagine.

Some thin sticks are used to stir the floating colours and flowers if desired. The marbling

stages of tulip are shown below.

After the patterns are practised in the marbling tank, the absorbent paper is gently laid onto the surface of the water. The

paper is lifted off, rinsed, and hung up to dry.