Suminagashi, Ink on Water

Program Type:

Arts & Crafts

Age Group:

Adults
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Event Details

In this art workshop we'll explore and make the Japanese art of suminagashi – ink floating on water.

Suminagashi is an ancient Japanese marbling art that has been practiced for over a thousand years. Traditional black or colored inks  are dropped onto a tray of water. Magical designs are created by letting the ink swirl by itself, or by blowing and manipulating the designs with a stylus or combs. The designs are transferred by laying absorbent paper onto the images. When dried, the paper can be used to create covers for books, for art works and collage, and for working into by drawing and calligraphy.

This art was kept secret, and used for important papers, and as a background for calligraphic poems. The art was also used for divination, messages telling of the future. 

Come to the Chappaqua Library and try this ancient art!