Float color on water or a viscous solution. Manipulate the colors (blowing, fanning, combing, or stirring are some of the most common methods). Transfer the design to a surface such as paper and let dry. The result is a decorative paper commonly used by bookbinders in Europe for almost two and a half centuries after the technique was introduced around 1600 from the Near East and Asia.

Marbled papers appeared on covers of volumes as well as the endpapers fixed to the inside of covers. At times, the technique even materialized on a book’s fore-edge (the vertical edge of pages opposite the spine).

Although each handmade paper is unique, distinctive pattern types acquired descriptive names. In the upper left-hand corner of this case are two volumes with English examples of “Spanish” or “Neo-Spanish” designs from the mid-nineteenth century. The endpapers displayed immediately below are the English spot pattern from the same century. From top to bottom, the small books in the middle of the case exemplify a nonpareil combed pattern, a “pseudo-marbled” composition, and a peacock design. The endpapers of the small volume to the right showcase the French curl pattern of the seventeenth century.