What Is Ebru? A Complete Guide to Turkish Water Marbling
Discover the ancient art of Ebru — Turkish water marbling. Learn what it is, how it works, and why this UNESCO-recognised craft has captivated artists and collectors for centuries.
The Ebru Blog
Articles on the history, technique, culture and philosophy of Turkish water marbling — written by Erdem Balikci, professional Ebru artist from Austin, Texas.
The Origins of Ebru: Tracing 1,000 Years of Water Marbling
From Central Asian steppes to the Ottoman court, Ebru's journey spans a millennium. Explore how this extraordinary craft travelled the Silk Road and became a pillar of Turkish cultural identity.
Ebru Tools Explained: The Complete Beginner's Kit
What does it take to create Ebru? We break down every tool — from the marbling tray and horse-hair combs to styluses and natural pigments — and explain why each one matters.
Traditional Ebru Patterns and Their Symbolic Meanings
Each Ebru pattern carries a story. From the free-flowing Battal base to intricate Çiçekli flower designs, discover the names, origins and symbolic meanings behind the classic Ebru motifs.
From Tray to Masterpiece: How Ebru Paper Is Made
Walk step-by-step through the entire Ebru process — preparing the size, mixing pigments, creating the design, and lifting the print — and understand what makes each piece truly one-of-a-kind.
The Lale (Tulip) in Ebru: The Ottoman Symbol of Perfection
The tulip is the most iconic motif in Ebru art. Explore its deep roots in Ottoman symbolism and how master marbling artists coax its delicate form from floating pigment on water.
Battal Ebru: The Mother of All Marbling Patterns
Before any comb touches the surface, there is Battal — the base layer of freely dropped pigment from which every Ebru pattern is born. Learn why this seemingly simple technique is anything but.
Ebru in the Ottoman Court: A Royal Art Form
For centuries, Ebru adorned the most important documents of the Ottoman Empire. Discover how sultans, calligraphers and bookbinders elevated marbled paper into a prestige art form.
Color Theory in Ebru: How Pigments Dance on Water
Choosing the right colors in Ebru is both science and intuition. Learn how pigments interact on the water surface, why contrast matters, and how master artists orchestrate color harmony.
The Role of Ox Gall in Ebru Art
Ox gall is the secret ingredient that makes Ebru possible. This natural surfactant allows pigment droplets to spread and hold their shape on water. Here's the science — and the tradition — behind it.
Preparing the Size: Carrageenan and the Ebru Tray Foundation
The quality of your Ebru begins before you touch a brush. Learn how to prepare the perfect sizing solution — the viscous foundation on which all Ebru art is created.
Ebru as Meditation: The Mindfulness of Turkish Marbling
Ebru demands full presence. You cannot rush the pigment, you cannot undo a stroke, and no two pieces are ever the same. Explore why practitioners describe Ebru as a moving meditation.
Ebru's UNESCO Recognition: Safeguarding an Intangible Heritage
In 2014, UNESCO inscribed Ebru onto its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. What does that mean — and what does it mean for the art's future?
Famous Ebru Masters Throughout the Centuries
From Hatip Mehmed Efendi in the 17th century to modern masters like Hikmet Barutçugil, discover the lineage of artists who shaped and preserved this living tradition across generations.
Ebru Calligraphy: When Ottoman Script Floats on Water
One of the most demanding forms of Ebru involves creating legible calligraphy directly in the floating pigment. Explore the union of Ebru and the Ottoman art of hat (calligraphy).
Teaching Ebru to Children: A Parent and Educator's Guide
Ebru is one of the most accessible traditional crafts for children. Discover age-appropriate techniques, safe materials, and lesson ideas that make Turkish marbling engaging for young learners.
How to Get Started with Ebru Art at Home
Ready to try Ebru yourself? This step-by-step starter guide covers everything you need — from sourcing the right supplies to creating your very first marbled sheet at your kitchen table.
Ebru in Austin, Texas: How Turkish Marbling Found a Home in the Heart of Texas
How does a centuries-old Ottoman art form thrive in the Live Music Capital of the World? Erdem Balikci shares his journey bringing Ebru from Istanbul to Austin.
Framing and Preserving Your Ebru Artwork
Ebru paper is surprisingly durable, but proper framing and storage make all the difference between a lifetime piece and a faded curiosity. Learn best practices straight from the studio.
Ebru in Contemporary Art: Modern Takes on an Ancient Craft
From gallery installations to fashion runways, Ebru is finding new life in the contemporary art world. Explore how today's artists are pushing the boundaries of traditional Turkish marbling.