Tin: Ukiyo-e colorant

Tin 錫 (suzu): Flakes or powdered metallics are often found in deluxe editions and surimono prints (摺物). 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 surimonos and deluxe editions.

For additional information see: Tin

Examples of Tin 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 tin (Sn).

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  XRF spectrum for Tin

Images of Tin

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  Mica (muscovite)

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  Kira mica, powdered

List of Prints

Below is a list of prints where tin was detected.