Suminagashi means floating ink, which is how this beautiful and early method of paper marbling was known as. The free-flowing ink rings are reminiscent of tree rings, floating silk and patterns found in nature. Developed in Japan as early as the 12th century, this medium was kept secret and reserved for members of the royal court and was used to authenticate valuable documents, prevent forgery, and delight the eyes when poetry was painted on top of it.

My technique is a modern and easily applied version of this old art, using pigmented inks, fine sturdy paper, and other items usually found around the the town.