The Art of Ebru

Ebru is the ancient Turkish art of marbling - creating colourful patterns by sprinkling & brushing pigments on water, which are transferred to paper. Highly regarded, it is on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list. Today the tradition continues...

Image credit @a.wehhab on IG

The art of Ebru has a long history that predates the Islamic period. With its roots in Turkistan, the art came to the Uighurs before being perfected by the Ottomans.

As one of the most popular Islamic arts in Turkey, it is even more widespread today than it was in the past. The word Ebru etymologically, comes from the Persian word Ebri meaning "nebular, cloudlike." Due to its wavy, nebular appearance, it is called "marbling" in Europe.

Video credit @a.wehhab on IG

The first examples of Ebru date back to eighth-century China. From China, it spread to Japan in the east & Turkistan, Iran & Turkey in the west. In the 13th century during the Ottoman period, Turkish calligraphers & artists created new forms of Ebru, and perfected techniques.

In traditional Ebru, paint is dripped onto the surface of water & a fine brush or metal comb is used to create marbled patterns. After a pattern is created, a piece of paper is laid on the surface of the water. The paint adheres to the paper, creating a marbled masterpiece.

Video credit @a.wehhab on IG

The Ebru technique consists of sprinkling colours containing a few drops of ox-gall on to the water surface with kitre (gum tragacanth) in a trough. By carefully laying the paper over the bath, the floating picture on top of it is readily transferred to the paper.

To obtain beautiful Ebru results, an artist needs to have a light hand, refined taste, and an open mind to the unexpected patterns forming on the water. Patience and a good knowledge of traditional culture are characteristic of Ebru masters.

Video credit @Suhedartt on IG

Ebru artists play a crucial role for the practice and transmission of the artform. They have the responsibility of transmitting their specialized knowledge from one generation to another mainly within the master and apprentice relationship.

The art of Ebru is unique because it cannot be imitated or replicated. Every piece is unique thanks to the artist's technique; however, the techniques and styles have a history in themselves.

Necmeddin Okyay, one of the last Ottoman masters of the Islamic arts, invented Islamic calligraphy done through Ebru techniques. Okyay would script calligraphy with a special glue, dry it & use the piece featuring the calligraphy to transfer the marbling.

Today artists continue redefining and developing this traditional artform as well as preserving ancient traditions and techniques. Beautiful Ebru by Artist Ozden Aydin.

Ebru Artist Eda Ozvbekkangay creates a contemporary aesthetic with traditional methods. Her works are identifiable because of the bold patterns and colours.