• Close-up image of a half pan of Purpurissum Blue Shade a deep color version of purpurissum described by Pliny as a handmade watercolor paint, featuring a deep, reddish-purple hue with a smooth, translucent finish and subtle texture. The pan is set on a neutral or ancient-inspired background, emphasizing its origin from Murex sea snails and artisanal craftsmanship. Ideal for artists, collectors, and conservators seeking a true historical pigment of imperial prestige.
  • Watercolor swatch in Purpurissum, Tyrian Blue Shade‚Äîa rare, historically inspired pigment blending natural elements to echo the cool undertone of true Tyrian Purple with a subtle blue cast. This handmade watercolor is crafted with honey and gum arabic, offering transparent, lightfast color ideal for ancient Mediterranean palettes, sacred art, and regal historical reconstructions.
  • six different watercolor paint swatches arranged on a wooden surface.
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Purpurissum Tyrian Deep Purple Watercolor Paint

Purpurissum Tyrian Deep Purple Watercolor Paint

$120.00
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Description

Purpurissum Tyrian Blue Shade 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 all natural gum arabic to achieve an exceptionally concentrated and richly textured pigment. Every paint is single pigment with maximum concentration and no binders, fillers, or extenders.


Purpurissum is one of the rarest and most historically significant purple pigment that dates back to antiquity. Derived through the traditional method of the secretions of Mediterranean sea snails (Murex brandaris and Murex trunculus), this legendary color, also known as Tyrian Purple, was reserved for royalty, high priests, and imperial use due to its extreme cost and powerful symbolism. Our Purpurissum watercolor continues that legacy, made from the exact recipe described by Pliny using True Tyrian to create the iconic deep purple hue. This color flows with a soft granulation and deep, warm undertones, perfect for sacred art, illuminated manuscripts, and regal palettes. Rich, contemplative, and timeless, Purpurissum is more than a color, it's a story of ancient power and art.


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


Optional Use: Optionally used with a gum arabic / ink medium to achieve optimal reactivation and fluidity.


Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Organic animal-derived dye (true Tyrian Purple)

Source: Extracted from Murex trunculus sea snails

Origin: South France

Lightfastness: Excellent

Opacity: Semi-transparent with minimal granulation

Other Names: Tyrian Purple, Imperial Purple, Phoenician Red, Murex Dye

Color Index Code: NV1


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.