Suminagashi: The Japanese Art of Marbling : A Practical Guide Hardcover – January 1, 1991

Suminagashi is a technique of decorating a sheet of paper with ink patterns floating on the surface of water. It differs from Western marbling in (1) the type of ink used, and (2) the thickening of the water. Western style marbling uses carrageenan, a seaweed product, to thicken the water so that the pigments remain on the surface of the water rather than sinking.Nothing is known about when suminagashi began to be produced in Japan. There are no records of its invention, but there are some marbled papers that date from the twelfth century. The techniques for making suminagashi decorative papers have been passed down as a strictly guarded secret of a single family. The down-side of this kind of living preservation of such arts is that over the centuries they become stereotyped and repetitious. Today there are artists who have developed their own techniques independently. It would probably be safe to say that more suminagashi cloth than suminagashi paper is produced in today's Japan, particularly as kimono panels, no one of which can be reproduced exactly.The first five chapters of this book are taken up with history and examples of the work of four of the artists who have developed their own techniques independently. Chapter 6, Suminagashi for the Western World, gives quite detailed descriptions and drawings of equipment and supplies needed, as well as drawings and directions for carrying out the process. There is also a list of sources of materials, which might well be out of date, given the copyright date of 1991.

Even the name, 'spilled ink,' has a Japanese sense of self-deprecation about it. Don't be fooled: this simple and elegant art deserves the most serious respect.Western marbling uses a thickened medium to support the inks. Suminagashi, instead, relies on the fluidity of water's surface to create its delicate drifting marks. It differs from Western marbling also in that it tends towards a limited palette, often being executed with black ink only. The results, however, go far past the Western style in delicacy and complexity. Suminagashi can fill the paper with marks as vivid and dense as marbled paper's. It can also create airy, open patterns as pale as morning mist, the kind that sit well under calligraphy or drawing.Best of all, suminagashi is simpler in tools, materials, and process than its Western relative. You can try it yourself with only a shallow pan, ink, and a little detergent. Even kids can get good results within their first few tries, and get enough different results to hold their interest.The basic simplicity of the craft takes nothing away from the masterworks of the craft's finest artisans. There is infinite subtlety in the play of ink and surface. The samples shown here are breathtaking. The book's value, though is in letting you create images of your own.Go ahead. It's quite an experience seeing the films of ink forming on the water; it's almost magical to capture them on paper for yourself.//wiredweird

I fell in love with the technique of Suminagashi. There are numerous videos on YouTube but not too many answers to go along with the vids. This book is excellent. There is actually very little written info out there. Suminagashi is the art of floating specific ink on water and then printing it to paper or fabric. Actually a marbling technique but without the mess. Just need ink, water, pan and paper. Use of black ink alone with delicate manipulation of the pattern by blowing on the surface of the water, produces a beautiful design. Colors can be used and the size of the print is limited only by your imagination and how big a piece of paper or fabric you can actually handle, with or without help. Some control by the artist but much more serendipity involved than with traditional marbling. Traditional marbling came from the mid-east around Turkey but Suminagashi comes from Japan. Lots of history included in this book. Sumi ink and India ink can both be used.

I ordered this book when I ordered the ink and I was astonished at the prices some sellers wanted for it. I paid a reasonable amount and got a beautiful book in great shape. It is very well made in that the paper is of good quality and the photos of the art work are lovely. The profiles of the various suminagashi artists are interesting and inspiring. The more I do marbling the more I go back and read the book.

Not much information on this process so the book was needed. Old book but good information and in good shape

Ms Chambers knows her marbling,and this book expands her expertise as well as her journeyto learning about Suminagashi.She shows some of the best work by contemporary craftspeoplewhile giving a good overview of the history.Excellent for learning as well as doing.

Awesome reference and beautiful book!

put it back in the pkg right after i got it. Not what i expected and dont want it. Havent been able to get a return label for it. I cant print it off my flip phone and am handicapped with no access to a computer with one. I want my money back now please.

Japanese art of suminagashi