The Journey of the Marbled Paper to Florence
Learn about the History of the Venetian Paper
August ‘24 I travelled to Florence. And I discovered the craft of paper marbling. Discover the fascinating history of marbled paper from its origins in China and Japan to its flourishing in Renaissance Florence. Learn why it’s called Venetian Paper even though it is mainly popular in Florence. This intricate craft, known for its swirling patterns and vibrant colors, has become a symbol of Florentine artistry.
If you are looking for authentic shopping tips go to my article about the best addresses for handmade paper in Florence.
Venetian Paper
The term generally refers to marbled paper, regardless of where it is produced.
Image: Work by Giulio Giannini & Figlio (Florence)
With names like ebru (painting on water) and suminagashi (floating ink), it makes perfect sense that this enchanting technique would arrive in the city of water, Venice, where its artful essence seamlessly flows into Europe.
Origins of Marbled Paper
The technique of marbled paper has a fascinating journey across continents. Initially probably originated in China and developed in Japan, where it was known as Suminagashi (meaning "floating ink"), the art form made its way westward through Turkey and through Venice - the gate to the Orient - into Florence, Italy. This is where it became widely popular across Europe, known as Venetian Paper.
Suminagashi: The Art of Floating Ink
Originating in Japan as early as the 12th century, Suminagashi involves marbling plain paper with water and ink to create vibrant, colorful patterns. Over centuries, this magnificent technique traveled west, influencing artisans across the world.
Image: Ōshikōchi Mitsune's waka poems on suminagashi paper, part of the oldest known marbled paper manuscript, were presented to Emperor Shirakawa in 1112 CE (Narita 14; Chambers 13–16).
The Journey to the West: Marbled Paper in the Middle East
Before reaching Italy, marbled paper was practiced in the Middle East, with early forms emerging in Persia (modern-day Iran) and the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) as early as the 15th century.
Image: This calligraphic panel, featuring Qur'an 14:7, is typical of compositions on marbled paper from 16th-century Central Asia, Iran, India, and Turkey. The Turkish word for this technique, "ebru," translates to “painting on water,” highlighting the delicate process involved.
The Renaissance Arrival in Europe
In 1627, the English philosopher Francis Bacon noted in his book Sylva Sylvarum:
“The Turks have a pretty art of chamoletting papers, which is not with us in use. They take divers Oiled Colours, and put them severally (in drops) upon water, and stirre the water lightly; and then wet their Paper (being of some thicknesse) with it; and the Paper will be Waved and Veined like Chamolet, or Marble.”
By the 16th century, through trade routes and cultural exchanges, the technique of marbled paper reached Europe. Venice was one of the gateways for this technique and that’s where the European name origins. The city's artisans of Florence played a crucial role in refining this art during the Rennaissance, integrating it into the vibrant culture of their city.
Today the European home of the handcrafted marble paper is definitely Florence. Florence, with its rich artistic legacy, became synonymous with high-quality handcrafted marble paper, coveted by collectors and connoisseurs. If you want to know where to shop traditionally handmade paper go to my article where I collect the best addresses for Venetian paper.
How to make handcrafted Marble Paper
Creating handcrafted marble paper is a meticulous process. Artisans start with a water base, adding special sizing agents, and then drip and swirl colored paints to create mesmerizing patterns. Tools like combs and brushes shape the designs, resulting in unique pieces where no two sheets are exactly alike.
Oil or Acrylic paints are applied to a wide, shallow tray of water, with surfactants (traditionally ox gall) added to help the colors float.
Many contemporary paper artists now use synthetic acrylics and oil paints for marbling.
A wide variety of techniques lead to different patterns. Dropping or splattering paint using paintbrushes, horsehair or straw whisks, or other tools.
