Suminagashi; Japanese Marbling // Adventures in Bookbinding

[@MsOscara]

Last spring, I took a cruise around Japan. At one port, they had numerous vendors dockside. There was an artist there selling suminagashi printed hankies, bookmarks and other items. He was delighted that I knew of the technique and we wound up having a wonderful conversation. I bought one of his handkerchiefs with a delicate black and yellow design. I'd always been disappointed with the results of my efforts because the prints were so pale. So, thank you for explaining the reason why this is preferred in Japanese culture. It's helpful to understand why prints are so different from most of the Western marbling I've seen done.

[@pnumenwiese]

My son just bought me this kit of ink and expensive rice paper for my birthday this sunday. I'm pretty excited to test things out and now, with your perfect video, I'm even more hyped! Thank you for just being such a great inspiration! Even three years later.

[@AngelavengerL]

Those papers look so cool. I love the ones with the bright blue. The designs really do have such an organic feel to them. Makes me think of wood rings in trees.

[@DASBookbinding]

Yes, the ones that look like tree rings are some of my favourites too. DAS

[@SandraBell-k9y]

Very impressed with your video and explanation. I can now impress my gcse students!!!

[@BJEurekaSprings]

How beautiful. I did traditional marbling about thirty years ago. I would love to try this. I have been going through all your videos, you explain things in a way I pick up quickly and accurately.

[@DASBookbinding]

Glad you like the videos. I wish I had the time to do western marbling. So much fun stuff to do and so little time.... DAS

[@bookbindinggeek]

The jagged lines are my favorite of these. I've done shuminagashi years ago, but it was interesting to learn about the traditions and history of the practise. Great video! I recall making two sided shuminagashi endpapers by putting the paper into the water vertically instead of horizontally. The paper draws the paint onto itself on both sides when you slowly sink it into the water. You just need a deep enough container of water to fit the paper inside vertically, and obviously some thicker paper so it doesn't break in the water.

[@DASBookbinding]

Thanks for sharing! DAS

[@zoemcmahan9031]

Finally! I've seen how to properly use an ink stick!! I love all of your videos and so happy to have found them! I was taught bookbinding by another, like you, a professional, but I didn't get many classes in so you help me to expand a hobby I love! Thank you!

[@phoebebaker1575]

One of my favorite organic art forms/ processes.

[@nashvillain171]

You're good, Darryn,...scary good! I just asked you about marbling yesterday and this video is what I see in my notifications today. Bookmarking this to watch after work. Thank you for all your instructional vids.

[@РоманаГорькая]

A week ago I learned about this technique and really wanted to try it, but there is almost no information about it in my language. Thank you for telling and showing in such detail, and for speaking in understandable language!

[@lisajarvis3820]

I ❤ the ink stick method ~ and have some from when I was lucky enough to have a Japanese Gentleman friend teach me his art of Calligraphy ~ I will try this method on the Koso paper I have left!!

[@thinkingahead6750]

That was lovely. Something I will try during the holidays with the grandchildren they are far more artistic than I am and if it stops raining long enough to get them dry.

[@eb991]

This is the best video , thank you for easy direction and explanation!

[@haticeerbassorkunlu]

You’re good! I really like to watch your videos. I’m master of Ebru Art (Traditional Turkish Paper marbling art) i’m learning how to binding my beautiful paper marbling designs Thank you so much!

[@DASBookbinding]

Wonderful to hear from. I really wish I had the time to have a go at Ebru marbling, and more importantly, someone to teach me! Maybe you could do some videos! All the best, Darryn

[@haticeerbassorkunlu]

@@DASBookbinding [e-mail]

[@kateh4030]

I watched another not nearly as good video on suminigashi this morning. I'm obviously meant to try it, armed with excellent detailed info from you.

[@DASBookbinding]

Good luck! DAS

[@ThomiBMcIntyre]

Sir. This is something I have never heard of and is absolutely revolutionary for my own work. I cannot wait to try it - thank you!

[@luciemokrea]

Great video, beautifully filmed and well explained. Thank you so much for the inspiration!

[@caroljohnson3400]

fab video, its so relaxing watching and listening to you. really tempted to have a go

[@DASBookbinding]

Go for it! DAS

[@bradrubin2860]

Wow, the gold standard on this topic! So well done.

[@DASBookbinding]

Thanks Brad! DAS

[@bobguy3939]

This is perfect. I got marbling kits for Christmas presents; guess this video is getting a Christmas day showing🌲

[@cynthiaeaton2342]

Great job!! I’ve been doing and teaching both suminagashi and Turkish marbling for about 15 years. Your video is well researched and put together. I always appreciate your mention of your sources. Don Guyot was indeed a great teacher and a splendid human. So pleased to see that you referenced his work.

[@glendamock4785]

Wonderful and I have been able to order the inkset you showed, here in northern Ireland. Cant wait to try this technique in a day or two! Really enjoy your videos, have learnt a lot from you.

[@Robespierre-lI]

I would not have thought of this as a "print" but I suppose it does involve moving pigment from one surface to another.

[@sobrietyliiving]

Thank you for your informative and enjoyable video :) Wonder how many folks picked up this hobby during the pandemic! Perhaps circumstances and your video inspired some new artists!

[@sallyjoligocki5011]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

[@Javaman92]

Another great video! I did some more paste papers today and I used your soaking method. As in it was a sunny day I can see it was good that I did. But I think I would rather do something like this. These are so beautiful!

[@ThisDesignedThat]

Just embarking on this marbling technique for a new artwork so this couldn't have come at a better time.

[@judihopewell2499]

First rate demo thank you. Well taught.

[@linamoses3513]

This was a fantastic tutorial. Thank you!

[@nancyangel3213]

Maestro... Cada vez me enamoro más de tu trabajo... Genial!!! Muchas gracias por tu tiempo y dedicación. 🤗🤗🤗🤗🇨🇴

[@orisarijose]

Loved the video, THANKS

[@gpmenga]

Best video on the subject, hands down! Thank you so much. Can you tell whether the detergent will affect the pH of the paper? Concerned about long term conservation

[@DASBookbinding]

No. Even if the surfactant was slightly acid, it is then highly diluted. Then most of it will be washed off in the rinse. The main thing that will determine longevity will be the paper. All the best, DAS

[@thinkingahead6750]

Having spent an enjoyable time with the grand-kids "having a go" I am in awe of your technique. We were trying with A6 sized paper (in a small container) and concentric rings we did not get but we had fun. Thank you. PS trying to find any advice on cutting a stepped index (as in address books) but without much luck. It might be a subject for you.

[@DASBookbinding]

Cutting out those thumb indexes is rather complicated in commercial binderies. Very few places would do it I think and I've never seen it done. They fan out the book at the correct spot and cut the index with a power driven half round chisel. I have been asked before and thus why I've researched it. I have vaguely thought about trying it with a wood chisel. DAS

[@thinkingahead6750]

@@DASBookbinding I might experiment.

[@tuhistoria1]

Thanks for your help

[@aliloucreations1817]

Wow just fabulous ❤️

[@terezinhabentopereira3154]

Encantada com seu trabalho.

[@salonigupta5190]

very helpful, thank you

[@Justaspacedude]

Great great video 👍 very informative

[@cindypage8673]

That was quite lovely, thanks for sharing x

[@RamiroBrandan]

thanks for your labour

[@corneliaschaeffer5897]

very nicely explained! please can you tell me wether oxgall can be used as surfractant? for to add to the ink to get it floating...and...why my chinese calligrapie ink is not spreading or is going to the ground?

[@DASBookbinding]

Yes, oxgall does work as a surfactant, but a surfactant doesn't stop the ink sinking, it breaks the surface tension and lets the ink spread out, and push other inks out. Some inks just don't work. I tried a number of red sumi inks which all sank. I don't think there is anything that you can add to stop this. You just need to try different ink. It was to get the red and blue that I wanted that I started using ink sticks. Good luck! DAS

[@BJKage]

I bind books and for the longest times could not find anything really nice, this is just perfect. I like this settle and simple style, thank you. Tell me about the prize of good paper I am for the first time using Tomoe River for binding.

[@Leo1406hongkong]

so inspiring! Thank you!

[@J___92]

I really love how you explain things! One question.. Do you used only tap water without anything else? Only a few drops of soap in the pencil water? I'm sorry I'm new in this! When do I have to use the oxwall?

[@DASBookbinding]

I just use tap water. But not all tap water is equal. You don't ever have to use ox gall. Detergent will do most people. I was just demonstrating another historically common surfactant. Though, when I have ground my own ink, I have always used ox gall.

[@J___92]

@@DASBookbinding Thank you so much! :)

[@ratfink6670]

Thanks for the video. I just bought the kit shown on the video. Can this be used for hydro-dipping objects such as plates, mugs, plastic and glass objects? Or will it only work on porous objects like paper? Will it work on nonporous surfaces? Thanks.

[@DASBookbinding]

I doubt it. The water based inks will probably not stick to hard objects like you mention.

[@nashvillain171]

Excellent video!!!

[@thevdevitor]

I tried suminagashi once and i failed. I will try it again :3

[@cariiinen]

lovely

[@tonyennis1787]

Dude, excellent.

[@swaminathaniyer2647]

Fantastic

[@observantpolymath]

How do we apply this technique in cement-ware, sans soap ? Soap can’t be used in cement mixtures.

[@DASBookbinding]

Sorry, I'm not sure what you are after. Are you wanting to marble something made of cement? If the cement has hardened can't you use soap on it? Or use another surfactant such as pine tar?

[@macho-alphanumerico]

Es tan sutil y minalista el marmoleado japonés.

[@madebylora]

I’ve bought the first set of inks that you demonstrated, but haven’t used them yet. Nice to see that they work well, it gives me hope haha. Have you used any of these for end papers? That is mainly what I’m hoping to use it for. It seems much simpler and less “ingredients” that other types of marbling.

[@DASBookbinding]

I'ver used it for labels, cards and other decorative things. Suminagashi wasn't really used for endpapers from my limited understanding of Japanese bookbinding.

[@chopin65]

They are beautiful. Some are quite violent, and have a strange effect on the eyes. What will you use them for? As always, I am grateful to have found this channel. Thank you.

[@DASBookbinding]

Usually endpapers when I'm really messing with colour combinations. DAS

[@jocinevelasco6]

Thank you again for posting this video. I love suminagashi but have only worked with liquid ink. I'm beginning to work with ink sticks using Don Guyot's sumifactant however the ink still sinks. Do you have any idea what I am doing wrong?

[@DASBookbinding]

Trouble shooting suminagashi can be a pain. Start by trying ink without surfactant. Worst case some water just doesn't want to work. But this is rare. DAS

[@jocinevelasco6]

@@DASBookbinding It worked--I just had to wait until the next day (like you said in your video haha)!

[@Mr.MKBone]

Why my ink is not producing thick effects. Its only giving super thin wire like circles only :( I am not sure where does it go wrong I am using regular fountain pen ink And for clear water i am using 2 drop of liquid soap in small cup of tap water

[@DASBookbinding]

You'll need to experiment with different inks.

[@ksgtokgo]

Lovely.

[@blitzinurzua]

awesome stuff! would leather oil dye work? I have plenty of Fiebings oil dye, thank you!

[@DASBookbinding]

I wouldn't have thought of using it, but it might. You'll have to try and let us know. Good luck, DAS

[@hidigardner3434]

Do you know if waterproof calligraphy ink will work? I don't have any on hand, or I'd try it. Wondering if you know before I buy it. I have a boku-undo set and it's great, but I'd like to add a little shimmer.

[@DASBookbinding]

No way to tell. I started by using different inks - western and eastern. Some worked and some didn't. There was nothing to indicate which would work. I wasn't happy with the red in the boku kit and bought a few different red inks and none of them worked. Grinding ink from an ink stick got me the red I was after. Good luck! DAS

[@kevinleong4467]

What is the suminagashi kit you mentioned recommended? I don't see it in the description

[@DASBookbinding]

Sumiundo 15620 Marbling Set

[@katvyletalstudio]

Hello , would you treat paper with alum/mordant before pulling prints? Thank you ;)

[@DASBookbinding]

I've experimented to see if it made a difference, and with the papers I use it made no difference. So, no I don't.

[@katvyletalstudio]

@@DASBookbinding thank you for the reply, what type/brand of paper are you using?

[@jenniferwhite6089]

yea the city water here has a lot of chlorine in the water yea did find the water did not work yea my brother's water on his farm the iron he had in his water dry it rust colour was very interesting it did lol yea he did finally broke down and had a water purifier in for the farm yea does work better my water on the farm works well as is yea have to leave to room temper only yea super ice-cold water all the time flowing here i still have a purifier for drinking water only

[@DASBookbinding]

The town water at my parents farm you get bits of carrot in it. I don't have a problem with the chlorine here. I think the pH is more important. The pH in town is about 7.8. Clearly water can be an issue, but funny I've not had this issue. Normally if something can go wrong, it will for me:) All the best, Darryn

[@stilett05]

Thanks for making a great video! I've been doing a lot of this technique lately but am struggling to find the right paper. All my prints come out blurry or faded. What were the papers you mentioned in the video again?

[@DASBookbinding]

Mohawks Superfine works really well. Otherwise I was just using copier paper with some tooth to it - texture. Not really hard polished paper. The thin paper was 50gsm bank layout. Have you tried rinsing off the excess ink like I do at the sink? In my blog article I do mention that the initial finding materials that work can be a bit frustrating. Good luck! DAS

[@stilett05]

@@DASBookbinding Thanks! I'll try the Mohawk paper out. I've been rinsing at the sink but it seems to wash away 50% of the ink.

[@matiascura3727]

@@stilett05 you may need to apply a mordant to the paper before you put the paint in it. Alum is a good option. The mordant makes sure the paint sticks to the paper.

[@stilett05]

@@matiascura3727 Thanks. I'll look into that too!

[@jeanelle2793]

Just tried it this morning with yasumoto sumi ink but all the ink sinks to the bottom even if I only barely touch the tip of the brush :/ any advice?

[@DASBookbinding]

Sorry, no. I'm guessing it's your water. Do you have a water softener?

[@alvenhchanne]

Have you tried using Japanese inks with plain water in western marbling?

[@DASBookbinding]

I think unless you thicken the water it is suminagashi. Also I think sprinkled ink would sink. But if you come up with a new hybrid technique let me know. Ciao, DAS

[@ksgtokgo]

Do you think fountain pen ink would work?

[@DASBookbinding]

It might. I got lucky years ago and my very first try in a kitchen bowl was with fountain pen ink. Every other ink I could find in the house failed. Just give it a go. Nothing to loose but a drop of ink. Good luck! DAS

[@blackwood3243]

The single color ones remind me of Damascus steel.

[@tildessmoo]

Do you wax the paper after it dries, or does that smudge the ink without paste to fix it?

[@DASBookbinding]

I wax burnish paste paper and western style marbled paper, but not suminagashi. I tend to not use it for external surfaces such as board papers. I'm not sure it would smudge, but it would make the paper look too heavy which doesn't fit with the lightness of these designs. DAS

[@xinli6969]

Don’t you need to add anything to the water? i want know thankyou!!

[@DASBookbinding]

No, just water. DAS

[@tmcconnell4484]

kind of looks like a geode rock print

[@dreamwarriors979]

Rip grandmaster!

[@heatherjulie5766]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Ntyler01mil]

Reminds me of agate