St John's Wort Lake Pigment

Description

St. John's Wort Intense Lake is a natural lake pigment made by extracting the vivid dye from the flowers of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) and precipitating it onto a mineral substrate of alum. Traditionally associated with golden yellows and soft reds, this particular lake is crafted to capture the intense gold hues produced when the plant's dye oxidizes, creating a rich, warm pigment reminiscent of golden amber.

In watercolor, St. John's Wort Lake exhibits delicate transparency, gentle layering ability, and a luminous inner glow. In egg tempera and oil, it provides subtle, warm undertones ideal for glazing, botanical painting, and historical palettes. Its gentle, shifting character allows for the creation of atmospheric effects and soft transitions, particularly in landscapes, florals, and illuminated manuscript work.

History

St. John's Wort has been prized for centuries for its medicinal, magical, and artistic properties. In medieval Europe, it was gathered on Midsummer's Eve and associated with protection, healing, and vitality. The plant's dyes were traditionally used for textile dyeing, creating vibrant yellow and red shades depending on the extraction method and mordant.

Lake pigments derived from St. John's Wort appeared in medieval and Renaissance workshops, where artists sought out botanical sources for their colorants. These lakes were typically used for manuscript illumination, botanical illustration, and panel painting, prized for their ethereal glow and plant based origins. Due to their organic nature, they were often applied over more stable mineral grounds or used in protected works such as book pages and altar panels.

Today, St. John's Wort Lake remains valued among natural dyers, historical painters, and those seeking to reconnect with plant based traditions in artmaking.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Natural botanical lake pigment from Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort)
Source: Extraction from Hypericum perforatum
Origin: Europe (natural)
Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Egg Tempera, Oil (glazing), Acrylic
Lightfastness: Moderate (protected works recommended)
Opacity: Transparent to Semi-transparent
Other Names: St. John's Lake, Hypericum Lake
Color Index Code: Not assigned (historical botanical lake)

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.