A method for the formation of a luminescent layer having a uniform thickness in a desired pattern and an organic electroluminescent device that can realize high-quality display and is highly reliable. The luminescent layer is formed by providing a blanket having a resin film having a surface tension of not less than 35 dynes/cm as a surface layer and an ink for a luminescent layer, having a viscosity (ink temperature 23° C.) in the range of 5 to 200 cP as measured at a shear rate of 100/sec, and containing a solvent having a surface tension of not more than 40 dynes/cm and a boiling temperature in the range of 150 to 250° C., filling the ink into cells in a gravure form, allowing the blanket to receive the ink from the cells, and transferring the ink on the blanket onto a luminescent layer forming face.