• Archival medieval watercolor ink made from Cochineal Carmine Lake pigment, housed in a clear glass dropper bottle with a hand-labeled watercolor paper tag and painted swatch. This vivid natural ink derives its magenta-purple-pink hue from cochineal insects, producing a bright, transparent gradient. The swatch beside the bottle highlights its smooth flow and intense chroma. Ideal for historical illumination, natural dye-based art, and fine calligraphy.
  • Bottle of Cochineal Carmine ink resting on whole dried cochineal insects and fine crimson pigment powder. This setup emphasizes the insect-derived origin of the vibrant magenta ink, showcasing historical practices in natural dye production.
  • Vibrant swatch of Cochineal Carmine ink revealing a magenta-purple-pink spectrum with excellent chroma. The natural insect-based pigment creates a striking gradient, ideal for calligraphy, medieval illumination, and historically accurate artistic expression.
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Cochineal Magenta Lake Watercolor Ink

Cochineal Magenta Lake Watercolor Ink

$10.00
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Description

Cochineal Carmine Watercolor Ink is our exquisitely hand crafted watercolor ink made with an extremely concentrated, high quality single source pigment. Every bottle is meticulously hand mixed, poured, and sealed, using water, pure local honey, natural gum arabic, a small amount of food grade sodium benzoate preservative, and less than 1% bentonite to slow settling and aid reincorporation. Every ink is single pigment with maximum concentration and no fillers or extenders.

Cochineal Carmine Watercolor Ink is a deep, vibrant red derived from the genuine extraction of cochineal dye from actual cochineal insects, a time honored natural dye long valued in historic art. This ink delivers a brilliantly saturated, radiant red tone with an authentically organic character used in classic manuscripts and rich textiles. Its smooth, fluid consistency and excellent lightfastness make it ideal for dynamic brushwork, elegant calligraphy, and expressive washes. Perfect for artists seeking both historical authenticity and vibrant, natural color, Cochineal Carmine Watercolor Ink imbues your work with a timeless, natural allure.

Key Features

Single Source Pigment: Each product features one pure pigment.

Handmade Artisanal Process: Produced in small batches, each bottle is hand mixed and poured to preserve the pigment's integrity.

Maximum Pigment Load: Formulated to offer the highest concentration of pigment, with no fillers or extenders.

Recommended Use: Shake well before use. Apply directly with brush or dropper, or dilute with water or ink medium for more fluidity and thickness. Not tested with fountain or other pens.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Organic lake pigment (cochineal dye)
Source: Extraction from cochineal insects (actual cochineal)
Origin: Peru (natural)
Lightfastness: Good
Opacity: Transparent with a uniform, smooth flow
Other Names: Cochineal Carmine, Natural Cochineal Red
Color Index Code: NR4

Health and Safety

  • For art use only. Not for cosmetic, food or children's use.
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not eat, drink or smoke while working.
  • Avoid skin contact and wash hands after use. Wipe brushes and palettes clean before rinsing, and never pour paint waste down drains. Do not spray apply, sand dried paint or burn.
  • If swallowed or if you feel unwell, contact a poison control center (U.S. 1-800-222-1222) or a doctor.
  • Safety Data Sheet available on request.
  • 5 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 4 stars: 1 (50%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 1 (50%)
J
Justin B.

I work with cochineal as a dye for fiber. This ink arrived looking dull, milky and coagulated. Not sure if it spoiled or something. Not sure I can use it in its current state.

Justin B. review photo
D
Diane B.

As described and appreciated…thank you!