Cinnabar Oil Paint

Description

Cinnabar is our exquisitely hand-crafted oil paint made with an extremely concentrated, high-quality single source pigment. Every tube is meticulously hand mulled, filled, and labeled using only pure cold-pressed walnut oil (linseed oil available upon request) and the maximum amount of hand-ground and richly textured pigment.

Cinnabar is a vivid, fiery red-orange pigment made from the mineral mercury sulfide (HgS), historically prized for its unparalleled vibrancy and luminous depth. Used in ancient China, Rome, and throughout the Renaissance, cinnabar was considered sacred and symbolic, appearing in imperial palaces, religious art, and alchemical texts. Our Cinnabar watercolor is carefully prepared from high-purity natural cinnabar, producing a rich, opaque scarlet with subtle granulation and a smooth, creamy consistency.

Because of its high mercury content, Cinnabar is offered for historical and professional use only, with proper handling precautions. It is ideal for artists, conservators, and collectors working in restoration, historical palettes, or museum-quality projects. Its brilliance is unmatched, offering a glimpse into the alchemical, ceremonial, and imperial worlds of the past.

Key FeaturesSingle Source Pigment: Each product features one pure pigment, chosen for its exceptional quality.Handmade Artisanal Process: Crafted in small batches, our oil paints are hand mulled on a marble slab and hand filled in aluminum tubes to preserve the integrity of the pigment.Maximum Pigment Load: Designed to provide maximum color saturation, our formula contains no artificial additives or fillersRecommended Use: Best used with oil mediums to achieve optimal fluidity.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Natural inorganic mineral pigment

Source: Mercury sulfide (natural cinnabar mineral)

Origin: China

Lightfastness: Excellent

Opacity: Opaque with mild granulation

Other Names: Vermilion (when synthetic), Dragon's Blood (archaic), Chinese Red

Color Index Code: PR106

Image: Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale from the MET

Health & Safety Warning: Cinnabar contains mercury and should be handled with care. Do not inhale pigment dust or ingest. Not recommended for children, casual use, or high-humidity environments. Wash hands thoroughly after use. Store securely and label clearly.

Production Process

Our oil paints are created with passion and precision. The pigment is carefully hand mulled and then mixed with pure cold-pressed walnut oil, ensuring an exceptionally concentrated and vibrant product. The entire process is carried out by hand, from mixing and mulling to filling and labeling, so you can be confident in the artisanal quality of every tube.

Usage & Care

Please store in a secure area away from children and pets, and dispose of any waste in an environmentally friendly manner in accordance with all local, state, and national regulations.

If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact us.