Han Blue

Description

Han Blue is an ancient synthetic pigment first developed in China during the Western Han Dynasty (circa 3rd century BCE). Made by carefully firing a mixture of barium copper silicate at high temperatures, Han Blue produces a brilliant, luminous blue with soft violet undertones. It offers a slightly brighter and less violet-leaning hue compared to its sister pigment, Han Purple, and displays a distinctive crystalline texture.

In watercolor, Han Blue exhibits beautiful granulation and soft semi-transparency, producing vivid but subtle washes. In egg tempera, fresco, and oil painting, it provides striking blues with a velvety depth ideal for robes, skies, and architectural decoration. Its unusual shade, lying between ultramarine and cobalt blue, offers artists a historically significant and visually captivating alternative to more modern blues.

History

Han Blue represents one of humanity’s earliest examples of synthetic pigment technology. Developed intentionally through a high-temperature fusion process, it marked a major achievement in ancient Chinese chemistry. Han Blue and its sister pigment, Han Purple, were used extensively in funerary art, wall paintings, ceramics, and statues during the Han Dynasty.

Unlike natural mineral pigments such as azurite or lapis lazuli, Han Blue was a manufactured material, allowing broader and more economical use in artistic decoration. Archaeological finds, including the painted warriors of the Western Han tombs, demonstrate the pigment’s lasting vibrancy even after more than two thousand years. In the pictured mural from a Han tomb near Luoyang dating between 25 and 220 CE, a pair of Liubo players, containing both Han Blue and Han Purple throughout the rich robes and background of the piece to create beautiful blues and purples.

While Han Blue eventually fell out of use with the introduction of imported pigments and evolving artistic styles, it remains an iconic and highly prized pigment among historical reconstructionists, archaeologists, and fine artists seeking to revive ancient palettes.

Health and Safety

Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Do not consume.

Not for cosmetic or food usage.

Do not spray apply.

Use caution when handling dry pigments and avoid dust formation.

Wear a NIOSH-certified dust respirator when working with powders.

Wear gloves and protective clothing.

Work in a well-ventilated area.

Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

This product contains heavy metals (copper, barium) and should be handled with appropriate care.

Warnings and bottle information are abbreviated.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Synthetic inorganic pigment (barium copper silicate)

Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Egg Tempera, Oil, Acrylic, Fresco

Lightfastness: Excellent

Opacity: Semi-transparent with natural granulation

Other Names: Chinese Blue, Barium Copper Blue, Ancient Han Blue

Color Index Code: PB—(historical, no direct modern CI equivalent)

Image: "Liubo Players Mural" by unknown.