pigment that contain Silver Nitrate

Ingredients

Silver Nitrate

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

For this research practice, the author re-created 16 pigment recipes based on the recipes and advice given by Alan Caiger-Smith and Grey Daly (p. 170). The most successful pigment tests (numbered 4, 6, 1, 7, and 5) were those containing Silver Nitrate (p. 171). The pigments were applied to ceramic substrates including white earthenware and terracotta and fired under reduction in a gas kiln. The firing process was precisely controlled by monitoring the amount of gas, observing via a spy hole, and manipulating the dampers at the top of the kiln to create specific reduction circles necessary for the development of metallic sheen (p. 170-171).

Evidence

"From the few tests some pigments were successful in more than one firing, best results obtained by order are tests; 4, 6, 1, 7 and 5, which are all pigment that contain Silver Nitrate (see Appendix G)."

Remarks

The study investigates the 'ajab' (wonder-provoking) qualities of lustreware, which requires physical movement by the observer to see light reflections and varied sheen (p. 169). The effect is described using the term 'bugalamun' (بقلمون), referencing color-changing textiles or birds, a term historically applied to lustreware by Nasir ibn Khusraw when describing pottery in Old Cairo (p. 170). The author notes that lustre results may vary based on kiln shelf positioning (Fig. 123) and that the presence of Silver Nitrate is critical for achieving a successful metallic sheen (p. 171). The project also explored hybrid techniques such as laser engraving and 3D printing in conjunction with traditional reduction lustre (p. 171).