Vermilion: Ukiyo-e colorant

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Goat Standing by a Plum Tree by Totoya Hokkei

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 in ukiyo-e prints. In the mid-1800s it seems to have been mixed with madder to create a darker red color mostly seen used on cartouches. Although not part of the printing matrix, vermilion is also found in collector's seals often found on surimono prints (摺物). Vermilion is the commonly used red ink for seals.

For additional information see: Vermilion

Examples of Vermilion in Ukiyo-e Prints

21.9277-pt2-detail.png

219277-Pt2-XRF.jpg
Pt 2: Printed
Totoya Hokkei, 21.9277

Dyed indigo.jpg

1116773-Pt7-XRF.jpg
Pt 7: Vermilion
Katsushika Hokusai, 11.16773

Dyed indigo.jpg

Indigo FORS.JPG
Pt 4: Brass flakes
Torii Kiyomasu II, 58.343

Dyed indigo.jpg

Indigo FORS.JPG
Pt 4: Brass flakes
Torii Kiyomasu II, 58.343

Dyed indigo.jpg

Indigo FORS.JPG
Pt 4: Brass flakes
Torii Kiyomasu II, 58.343

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).

Images of Vermilion

List of Prints

Below is a list of prints where vermilion was detected.