Tin: Ukiyo-e colorant

Tin 錫 (suzu): Tin is extracted from the mineral Cassiterite (SnO₂). There were deposits in Edo Japan, most notably the Suzuyama mine (active 1655–1988) in present day Kagoshima thus tin appears to have been domestically available. Tin was commonly used for metallic silver colored areas on a print. Animal glue (膠 nikawa) was commonly used to adhere the powder to the paper's surface or as a binder when printed. The use of affordable metals such as brass and tin were likely meant to imitate the glittering effects created by the use of expensive metal leaf or flakes such as gold and silver on screen and scroll paintings.

As with printed brass, tin is often seen on surimono prints (摺物) and deluxe editions. It is also frequently seen printed over a blue colorant in surimono prints.

For additional information see: Tin