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The Art of Ebru

An ancient art shaped on water, centuries in the making.

Ebru process
What Is It?

Art Shaped
on the Surface of Water

Ebru is an art with deep roots stretching from Central Asia to the Ottoman Empire. Meaning "cloud-like," it is created by dropping natural pigments onto a water surface and shaping them with needles and combs.

Every ebru piece is a singular creation of its moment. Water currents, pigment density, air humidity — all contribute to that unique pattern. Not even the artist can recreate the same design.

The Process

How Is the Moment Born?

01

The Ground

Water is prepared with a natural thickener called gum tragacanth, which allows pigments to float on the surface.

02

The Pigment

Natural pigments are mixed with ox bile. Each colour takes its own form the moment it touches the water.

03

The Shaping

Needles, combs or brushes gently shape the pigments. The pattern emerges from the artist's imagination and the will of the water.

04

The Transfer

Paper or fabric is gently laid on the surface to lift the pattern. This can only be done once.

Heritage

From UNESCO Heritage
to Modern Art

Ebru was inscribed on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014. Lavinia exists to keep this heritage alive and make it a part of the modern world.

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