• Dragon‚Äôs Blood pigment, a deep red resin-based color derived from tree sap, historically used in fine art, varnishes, and dyes. Known for its rich, warm hue and moderate lightfastness, it is ideal for historical painting techniques, manuscript illumination, and decorative arts. Offers smooth blending and transparency for glazing effects. Finely processed for professional-quality applications. Available in various sizes.
  • Three textured paint swatches labeled “Oil” (rust red), “Lead White” (pale pink), and “Titanium White” (white) are shown on textured paper under the heading “Morrow Archival,” featuring Dragon's Blood Red Pigment.
  • A paper titled "Morrow Archival" shows three swatches—Opacity, Dry, and Wet—featuring the texture and transparency of a reddish watercolor made with Dragon's Blood Red Pigment, a famed historical art material.
  • This small painting of the Pentecost shows Giotto‚Äôs skill at transforming complex biblical stories into images that were easy to decipher. Jesus‚Äôs followers were gathered together 50 days after his Crucifixion to celebrate the Jewish Feast of Weeks. A strong wind began to blow and flames like ‚Äòtongues of fire‚Äô appeared on their heads. They were filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak miraculously in a number of languages.
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Dragon's Blood Red Pigment

Dragon's Blood Red Pigment

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Description

Dragon's Blood is a natural resin based pigment and dye, historically derived from the sap of various plant species in the genera Daemonorops, Dracaena, Pterocarpus, and Croton. The deep red resin is harvested, dried, and ground into a fine powder, producing a warm, rich red pigment with slightly brownish undertones. It has been used for centuries in art, varnishes, lacquers, and medicinal preparations.


Dragon's Blood is known for its deep, warm red tones, though it is generally more fugitive compared to mineral-based reds. It is best suited for applications where permanence is not a primary concern, such as decorative painting, manuscript illumination, or historical reproduction work. When used as a dye, it produces a translucent crimson that can vary in hue depending on the binder and substrate.


History

Dragon's Blood has an extensive history, dating back to the ancient Mediterranean, China, India, and the Middle East. The Romans and Greeks used it as a pigment, incense, and medicine, often attributing mystical properties to its intense red color. In medieval manuscript illumination, it was sometimes used for its striking color, though its lightfastness limited its use in permanent paintings. In the pictured artwork 'Pentecost' by Giotto and Workshop, Dragon's Blood is used for the orange-red flames over the heads of the Apostles.


During the Renaissance, Dragon's Blood was a favored pigment in varnishes and lacquers, particularly in Italy and Spain, where it was used to tint furniture, musical instruments, and fine art. Asian artisans also employed it in the production of traditional red lacquers. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was marketed as a medicinal remedy and as a stain for marble, leather, and wood.


Despite its historical significance, Dragon's Blood fell out of favor in professional painting due to its fugitive nature. However, it remains in use among artists, conservators, and those interested in historical pigment restoration and natural dye applications.


Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Natural (Organic Resin) from Daemonorops dracaena

Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Tempera, Acrylic, Encaustic, Cold Wax, Casein, Milk, Swedish Flour, Lime / Fresco, Violin / Varnish

Lightfastness: Low

Opacity: Translucent

Other Names: Sanguis Draconis, Sangre de Drago

Image: 'Pentecost' by Giotto and Workshop from the National Gallery

Color Index Code: NR31