Скачать или смотреть Vermilion PR106

A very old, antique bottle of Vermilion, PR106. It’s a synthetic version of the natural occurring cinnabar. Its main components are mercury and sulphur.

It’s one of the best known and oldest red synthetic pigments, dating back to the 8th century in China.

The first use of the natural version, cinnabar, dates back to 8000-7000 BC! It’s known to have been mined in Spain in 5300 BC and documented sources tell the Chinese used it as early as 5000-4000 BC.

The Greeks and Romans are known to have used the synthetic version since natural cinnarbar was rare and hard to find. It was used by many cultures as part of make-up, by means of religious ceremonies, decorating ceramics and painting ornaments.

During the Middle Ages the synthetic proces was used but made it as expensive as Gold leaf, making Vermilion a paint for only the finest figures and details. Minimum, a lead based red, was used for the larger parts.

It’s a widely used pigment during the renaissance and from the 17th century the Dutch introduced a method of making Vermilion. The Chinese version was and is still considered the purest version. In Europe they tend to cut the pigment with things like iron oxides, red lead and even brick dust due to the costs.

During the 20th century (so it’s been in use for quite some time!) vermilion and cinnabar got replaced by the (less toxic) cadmiums, which in their place are now being replaced by modern non toxic alternatives.

A fascinating pigment with a history as rich as it’s brightness. It’s a shame vermilion isn’t a lightfast pigment and lots of uses have been faded over time… but more on that in a series of stories on my Instagram soon!