{"product_id":"han-purple-pigment-425137797","title":"Han Purple Pigment","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescription\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHan Purple is an ancient synthetic pigment first developed in China during the Western Zhou to early Han Dynasty periods (circa 8th to 3rd century BCE). Created through a high-temperature fusion of barium copper silicate materials, Han Purple produces a vivid, luminous purple-blue hue, slightly warmer and redder than its close relative Han Blue. It is one of the oldest known synthetic purple pigments, with a crystalline structure that gives it a soft granulation and glowing, otherworldly character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn watercolor, Han Purple creates vibrant, semi-transparent washes with fine granulation and a unique softness. In egg tempera and oil, it offers an intense, velvety purple ideal for clothing, ornamental details, skies, and sacred motifs. It occupies a rare tonal space between blue and violet, giving historical and contemporary artworks an unforgettable brilliance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eHistory\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHan Purple represents a major technological innovation in early Chinese materials science. Unlike mineral pigments that were ground from natural ores, Han Purple was manufactured intentionally through complex chemical processes involving the firing of barium minerals, quartz, and copper compounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt was used extensively in funerary art, tomb murals, statues, and decorative ceramics during the Warring States and Han periods. Archaeological discoveries, such as the painted statues of the Terracotta Army and tomb murals in Mawangdui, confirm its popularity and durability. Han Purple and Han Blue are considered precursors to other synthetic pigments like Egyptian Blue, but Han pigments are chemically distinct and reflect China\u003cspan\u003e'\u003c\/span\u003es unique advancements. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlthough the production knowledge faded with time, Han Purple remains an iconic symbol of early synthetic color-making. Its vividness, rarity, and historical importance make it highly prized for archaeological reproductions, traditional painting, and fine art applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003ePigment Information\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePigment Type: Synthetic inorganic pigment (barium copper silicate)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Tempera, Acrylic, Encaustic, Cold Wax, Casein, Milk, Swedish Flour, Lime \/ Fresco, Ceramics\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLightfastness: Excellent\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOpacity: Semi-transparent with natural granulation\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOther Names: Chinese Purple, Barium Copper Purple, Ancient Han Purple\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eColor Index Code: NA\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eImage: \"Liubo Players Mural\" by unknown.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Morrow Archival","offers":[{"title":"2 Grams","offer_id":47875252191454,"sku":"PS-613-0000-0002g","price":18.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 Grams","offer_id":47875252224222,"sku":"PS-613-0000-0010g","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20 Grams","offer_id":47875252256990,"sku":"PS-613-0000-0020g","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0739\/2821\/2702\/files\/cb8b16d2-e7e6-4fe7-ac75-e9d00156fa60-copy.jpg?v=1769982692","url":"https:\/\/morrowarchival.com\/products\/han-purple-pigment-425137797","provider":"Morrow Archival","version":"1.0","type":"link"}