Red Ochre or Hematite

Ingredients

natural clay, iron oxide

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

Derived from natural clay deposits containing iron oxides. The most famous was the brown Hormuz clay from the Persian Gulf (p. 90).

Evidence

"In this study in all the Shāhnāma manuscripts ochre is identified as the brown colour used for tree trunks, robes, horses, and architectural components."

Remarks

Known as 'Okhra' in Persian. These permanent pigments were available in a wide range from opaque to glazes and were used for various pictorial elements (p. 90-91).