Suminagashi is a graphical technique in which the paper is colored because it comes into contact with black or color pigment inks that float in the water. This technique originated in China about 2,000 years ago and was kept as a secret. It was in the twelfth century popular in Japan. It is fascinating to see the process, simplicity and see the magic of the result.

Suminagashi (floating ink) Another New Design Studio:

Artists

The result is called marbled paper, or waterpaper and is traditionally been used for book binding. Current artists experiment with this technique. Interesting is the work of Antonio Daniele http://www.letitbrain.it/antocreo/gallery/generative-human-2/ or Beth Nicholas http://www.beth-nicholas.com which I am not sure if she uses this technique or relying on this technology.

More examples:

http://ruthhoggerresearch.blogspot.nl/2013/03/paper-marbling-water-patterns.html

Based on the images of Suminagashi, Demian Conrad Design reuse these images as a brand identity for the company Almighty a firm of interior design. I like it, it is beautiful and powerful.

Technique

To make marbled paper you put them in bowl of water with insoluble pigments in it. The image on the paper is determined by the placements of the droplets pigment and the movement of the water. The blank paper is placed on the water surface and removed after absorbing the colors. In this video René Eisenbart explains the technique and how she uses it in her work. https://youtu.be/m_laLzd9URw

Do you know this technique? Do you use it?

Photos and work: Modern 20th c. marbled paper(Turkish combed), Beth Nicholas, Demian Conrad Design, Shutterstock