Monascus Red

Description

Monascus Red is our exquisitely hand-crafted watercolor paint made with an extremely concentrated, high-quality single source pigment. Every pan is meticulously hand mulled, filled, and labeled, using only pure local honey and a small amount of all natural, pure gum arabic to achieve an exceptionally concentrated and richly textured pigment.

Monascus Red is a vivid, biologically derived red made from Monascus purpureus, a fermentation yeast cultivated on rice. Used for centuries in East Asian food, textiles, and ritual objects, this pigment produces a saturated red with subtle violet undertones and smooth transparency. Its fluid handling and natural intensity make it ideal for botanical work, text illumination, and expressive color layering within historical and experimental palettes.

This historic pigment is ideal for botanical work, illuminated manuscripts, florals, and light-infused layering. It mixes beautifully with other natural dyes and mineral colors, offering a pure, cool yellow with greenish undertones and excellent glaze potential. Lightfastness is moderate—best for protected works, portfolios, and collectors who value historical authenticity.

Key Features

Single Source Pigment: Each product features one pure pigment, chosen for its exceptional quality.

Handmade Artisanal Process: Crafted in small batches, our watercolors are hand mulled on a glass slab and hand packed to preserve the integrity of the pigment.

Maximum Pigment Load: Designed to provide maximum color saturation, our formula contains no artificial additives or fillers

Recommended Use: Best used with a gum arabic medium to achieve optimal reactivation and fluidity.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Organic pigment (fermented monascus dye)

Source: Cultivation of Monascus purpureus on rice

Origin: East Asia (natural)

Lightfastness: Moderate

Opacity: Transparent with smooth flow

Other Names: Red Yeast, Monascus Lake, Fermented Rice Red

Color Index Code: NR2

Production Process

Our watercolors are created with passion and precision. The pigment is carefully hand mulled and then mixed with pure local honey, 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 pan.

Usage & Care

For professional and consistent results, we recommend using a gum arabic medium. 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.