Suminagashi (Water Marbling)
Paper catches ink floating on water.
Suminagashi is a Japanese marbling technique. You drop sumi ink onto the surface of still water, gently disturb it with a brush or breath, and lay paper on top. The paper picks up the floating pattern.
No two prints are the same. The method is centuries old and most beginners produce something interesting on their first try.
The materials are simple: a flat tray, water, sumi ink in a few colors, and absorbent paper. The setup takes more room than the printing itself, since the water needs to stay still.
You’ll love suminagashi (water marbling) if…
- you want first attempts that already look beautiful.
- you like quiet, slow work that demands stillness.
- the appeal is that no two prints are ever the same.
What you'll need to get started
Suminagashi Starter Kit
Everything you need to get started: ink, paper, dishes, brushes, paper, and pan.
Suminagashi Inks
A full range of inks in different colors.
Washi Paper
Absorbent rice paper made for capturing ink. Better results than standard printer paper.
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