Paper marbling

is a method of aqueous surface design, which can produce patterns similar to smooth

marble

or other stone. The patterns are the result of color floated on either plain water or a viscous solution known as

size

, and then carefully transferred to an absorbent surface, such as

paper

or fabric. Through several centuries, people have applied marbled materials to a variety of surfaces. It is often employed as a writing surface for

calligraphy

, and especially book covers and endpapers in

bookbinding

and

stationery

. Part of its appeal is that each print is a unique

monotype

.