Lead white: Ukiyo-e colorant

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Young Woman as the Bodhisattva Fugen by Komatsuken

Lead white 鉛白 (enpaku): A white pigment composed of basic lead carbonate. Lead white has been prepared synthetically from Classical antiquity by exposing metallic Lead to Vinegar (Acetic acid) vapour. Lead white and red lead can discolor and darken when exposed to Hydrogen sulfide.

On a print the color white is usually unprinted paper, however, sometimes lead white was used to set apart fields of white from the paper's natural tone. More frequently, it has been found mixed with other colorants, in order to lighten a color or lend opacity. Most frequently, it appears to have been mixed with red lead to create a light pink color, often seen in wooden architectural elements. Sometimes lead white, like calcium carbonate was spattered across the surface of a complete print in order to approximate the appearance of snow or sea spray. Darkening of lead white has been observed in areas where it was printed alone and in mixtures. It is often this discoloration or darkening that leads to its preliminary identification of its presence.

For additional information see: Lead white

Examples of Lead white in Ukiyo-e Prints

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

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 lead (Pb), which in a white area, is an indication for the presence of lead white (2PbCO3·Pb(OH)2).

Images of Lead white

List of Prints

Below is a list of prints where lead white was detected.

Pages in category "Lead white: Ukiyo-e colorant"

The following 17 pages are in this category, out of 17 total.