Marbled Wastepaper Bin, Rotterdam

Marbling is an ancient technique from the Orient, which is known in history for its mastery of abstract decoration. The marbled pattern is created by combining pigments, oils and water in different quantities in a vat, which are then mixed carefully by the craftsman to create unique designs that can never be exactly recreated. 

The ancient Ofer bookbindery practices this centuries-old tradition in its two historical workshops in Padua and Venice, producing sophisticated bindings and papers - not only marbled but also ebru and stamped. These varieties of paper are among the most valuable of all paper products and are entirely handmade by craftsmen.