Safflower Yellow Pigment

Description
Safflower Yellow is a handmade natural lake pigment made from the water soluble yellow colorants of safflower petals (Carthamus tinctorius). It produces a warm, transparent golden yellow with a soft, glowing quality. The yellow fraction makes up most of the color in the petals and is washed out before the rarer safflower red is extracted.

In use, Safflower Yellow gives luminous, transparent yellows for glazing, florals, illumination and warm toning. It works best in watercolor, gouache and tempera, where its transparency shows well. Safflower yellow is fugitive; it fades in light, so finished work should be framed under UV protective glass or varnished with UV varnish and kept out of strong sunlight.

History
Safflower has been cultivated since antiquity in Egypt, the Middle East and Asia, both for its oil and as a dye plant. Its yellow was used as an inexpensive textile dye and as a substitute for costly saffron, which gives safflower names such as bastard saffron and dyer's saffron. In Japan and China the yellow was traditionally washed out of the petals as the first step in making safflower red.

Pigment Information
Pigment Type: Natural (Organic) plant colorant
Source: Safflower yellow colorants (carthamidin and safflomin) from safflower petals (Carthamus tinctorius)
Origin: Japan
Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Gouache, Oil, Tempera, Acrylic, Ink
Lightfastness: Poor
Opacity: Transparent
Other Names: Carthamus Yellow, Bastard Saffron, Dyer's Saffron, Safflower Lake
Color Index Code: NY5

Health and Safety
For art use only. Not for cosmetic, food or children's use.
Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not eat, drink or smoke while working.
Avoid creating or breathing dust. Work in a ventilated area and wear a NIOSH approved dust respirator (P100 or better) when handling dry pigment.
Wear gloves and eye protection. Wash hands and work surfaces after use, and never rinse pigment into drains.
Do not spray apply, sand or burn.
If swallowed or if you feel unwell, contact a poison control center (U.S. 1-800-222-1222) or a doctor.
Safety Data Sheet available on request.