For centuries, marbled paper has bewitched and enchanted. It is one of those profoundly human creations, something that defies explanation, and yet continues to mesmerize us, like staring into fire. And while marbled covers and end pages are no longer common practice in bookbinding, they remain a beautiful antique and an indicator of high quality books and literary merit.
Marbling is a shockingly ancient practice, dating as far back as 10th century Japan. The Japanese term for marbling is Suminagashi, which translates to “floating ink”. Marbling arrived in Persia in the 15th century, before spreading to Europe by way of the Ottoman Empire. The technique is quite simple and has remained fairly consistent throughout the centuries.
Historically, marbling was believed to be linked to alchemy, and was thought to have a mystical component. Marblers were therefore incredibly secretive with their practice, and over time Marbling Guilds were formed, each with their own highly-protected ingredients and techniques. In 1853 however, master Marbler Charles Woolnough published The Art of Marbling, which opened the floodgates to popular marbling practice.
To make marbled paper, a tray is filled with water and mixed with Carrageenan. Carrageenan is a natural seaweed gelling agent. When combined with water, it has a thickening effect that allows the paint to sit on the water, and repel other paint rather than bleeding into it. Today, marblers use tools called rakes to deposit the paint atop the water, and a variety of combs, made from wool or wire, to gently disrupt the paint into the desired pattern.
The paper is laid flat atop the water, taking special care to avoid air bubbles, and the pattern is then transferred onto the page. The Carrageenan formula is rinsed off, allowing the colors to brighten and dry.
While the process is again, simple, it takes an incredible amount of skill and technique to achieve the symmetrical patterns we have come to know and love. While a skilled marbler can produce multiple nearly identical sheets, the process demands each be ultimately as unique and individual as a fingerprint.
