Vermilion: Ukiyo-e colorant

Vermilion 朱(shu): A bright red pigment composed of synthetically prepared red mercuric sulfide. Vermilion is chemically identical to the mineral Cinnabar (辰砂 shinsha).

Vermilion appears to have been rarely used as a colorant for woodblock printing. In the mid-1800s it seems to have been mixed with madder to create a somewhat brighter color with an orange cast mostly seen used on cartouches. Although not part of the printing matrix, vermilion is commonly found in seals on some surimonos (摺物). Vermilion is the commonly used red ink for seals.

For additional information see: Vermilion

Examples of Vermilion 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 (Hg). When found in a red area, it is an indication for the presence of vermilion (HgS).

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  XRF spectrum for Vermilion

Images of Vermilion

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  Vermilion

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  Vermilion

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  Vermilion at 200x

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  Printed vermilion

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  Vermilion, by National Museum of American History

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  Vermilion (audio), by Harvard Art Museums

List of Prints

Below is a list of prints where vermilion was detected.