About Session

Suminagashi, meaning “floating ink,” is an ancient Japanese technique for decorating paper with delicate, fluid patterns. Considered one of the earliest forms of marbling, its origins trace back over 2,000 years to China, and it was later practiced in Japan as early as the 12th century by Shinto priests.

In this demonstration, Dominique will guide you through the fundamentals of Suminagashi, beginning with a brief history of the technique and an overview of which washi papers work best. She will show how to set up a simple marbling station and demonstrate a range of approaches to creating patterns on water.

The session will also cover practical considerations—how to handle, dry, and flatten marbled papers—along with examples of finished artworks that incorporate Suminagashi to create layered, dynamic compositions.