Before you buy: what to inspect
- Under magnification, hand-painted work shows brushstrokes; prints show dot patterns.
- Gold on genuine illumination is applied by hand and catches the light unevenly.
- Check the paper: handmade paper has an irregular texture and edges.
Typical materials: paper.
Red flags: copies and 'Persian style' imports
- 'Giclée', 'art print' or 'reproduction' in the listing.
- Paintings on photo paper.
- Old-looking pages with modern printed text.
A genuine Paper marbling (Abr-o-bad) piece should come with a named place of making in Iran (often isfahan, tabriz) and a clear statement that it is handmade.
Questions to ask the seller
- Is this an original or a print?
- Who is the artist, and is it signed?
- What pigments and paper were used?
What affects the price
| Original vs. print |
| Artist |
| Detail and gold |
| Size |
| Age |
Care and cleaning
- Frame behind UV-filtering glass.
- Keep out of direct sunlight and away from damp.
- Handle with clean, dry hands at the edges.
Storage
- Store flat in acid-free folders.
- Keep humidity stable.
Shipping
Ship flat between rigid boards, or rolled only if the maker agrees.
Illustrative examples in the archive
- Hand Marbled Paper: Marbling Art (Ebru) Decorative Paper · Illustrative example · not for sale here
- Hand Marbled Paper: Marbling Art (Ebru) Decorative Paper · Illustrative example · not for sale here
- Floral Ebru Art, Marbled Paper, Flower Ebru, Handmarbled Paper, Handmade Paper, Wall Art 1 · Illustrative example · not for sale here
Disclaimer
This guide is educational. It cannot confirm that any particular object is genuine, old or valuable. For important purchases, ask an independent specialist. Read the full Paper marbling (Abr-o-bad) entry.