Iron Oxide Yellow: Ukiyo-e colorant

Iron oxide yellow 黄土 (ōdo): A yellow earth pigment, containing iron oxide, clay, and silica, also known as yellow ochre or Limonite. The iron hydroxide, Goethite is the primary coloring material. It is a naturally occurring pigment used since prehistoric times and is found throughout the world in iron rich soils or as weathered iron ore deposits.

Iron oxide yellow has been rarely found used alone and also appears infrequently as a component in mixtures. It was likely added to turmeric and flavonoids for opacity; when mixed with other mineral pigments such as other iron oxides as well as red and white lead, it created a range of earth colors.

For additional information see: Goethite, Limonite, Yellow ochre

Examples of Iron oxide yellow 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 iron (Fe). When it is found in a yellow area, it is an indication for the presence of iron oxide yellow (Fe₂O₃ H₂O).

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  XRF spectrum of Iron oxide yellow

Images of Iron oxide yellow

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  Limonite

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  Yellow ocher

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  Yellow ocher, ōdo

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  Yellow ocher at 500x

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  Yellow ocher at 200x polarized light

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  Iron oxide yellow

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  Ochres (audio), by Harvard Art Museums

List of Prints

Below is a list of prints where iron oxide yellow was detected.