Difference between revisions of "Category:Mica: Ukiyo-e colorant"

Mica 雲母(kira or unmo): A group of silicate minerals that cleave into thin, flexible sheets. It is ground into a powder for use in ukiyo-e prints. Powdered mica can be printed or sprinkled to create a shimmering effect. Paste or animal glue would be used to affix the mica. It is a pearlescent white but can also be mixed with a colorant to make colored mica. Colored mica are usually pink (mica and a red colorant) or dark gray (mica and carbon black). (There's mention that the pink or gray layer is printed before rather than mixing, true?)

For more information see: Mica

Examples of Mica in Ukiyo-e Prints

Beauties of the Yoshiwara by Suzuki Harunobu

Beauties of the Yoshiwara by Suzuki Harunobu

Beauties of the Yoshiwara by Suzuki Harunobu

Beauties of the Yoshiwara by Suzuki Harunobu

Beauties of the Yoshiwara by Suzuki Harunobu

Analysis

X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) is used to detect mercury, which is an indication for the presence of vermilion (HgS).

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  XRF spectrum for vermilion

Other Images of Mica

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  Mica (muscovite)

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  Kira mica, powdered

When we get back, add photo of heap of powdered mica

List of Prints

List of prints where indigo was detected