Reduction Lustre Pigment

Ingredients

Original Red, Silver Nitrate, Gum Arabic, Bismuth Nitrate, Vulcan Fine, China Clay, Tin Oxide, Yellow Iron Oxide, Cobalt Oxide, Copper Carbonate, Copper Oxid

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

The reduction lustre pigment recipes involve mixing various metallic salts and oxides with a binder and a clay-based substrate to form a paste. Key test variations include: Test (1)c: 5g Original Red, 0.5g Silver Nitrate, a drop of Gum Arabic, and 0.2g Bismuth Nitrate. Test (4)c: 2.5g Original red, 2.5g Tin Oxide, 0.5g Silver Nitrate, Gum Arabic (Drop), 0.2g Bismuth Nitrate. Test (9)c: 5g Original Red, 2.5g Silver Nitrate, 2.5g Copper Carbonate, Gum Arabic (Drop), 0.2g Bismuth Nitrate. Test (16)b: 5g Original Red, 0.3g Cobalt Oxide, 0.3g Silver Nitrate, 0.2g Bismuth Nitrate, Gum Arabic (Drop). (p. 285-286). The preparation involves using a mortar and pestle to create a fine paste (p. 287).

Evidence

"Appendix G: Reduction Lustre Pigment Tests. Test (1) a... 5g Original Red 0.5g Silver Nitrate. Test (1) b... Gum Arabic (Drop). Test (1) c... 0.2g Bismuth Nitrate."

Remarks

This experimental archaeometry work focuses on duplicating the aesthetic and technical qualities of Nasrid-era Alhambra vases (p. 280-282). The author combines traditional calligraphy (Maghrebi/Andalusi Almabsot script, p. 269) with complex ceramic firing techniques. The pigments are applied to glazed ceramic bodies as a third-fire process. The firing process is critical, requiring a kiln capable of maintaining a reduction atmosphere. Successful lustre results in a metallic sheen (gold or blue), whereas failure can result in dull or blackened surfaces (p. 288). Historical examples referenced, such as the Simonetti Vase, often exhibit 'damaged glaze' (p. 275). The use of modern tools like 3D scanning and Rhino software assisted in the reconstruction of the vase forms (p. 281).