orpiment and indigo
Maghreb
19th Century
Source: Colini, C. (2022). Ink Recipes from the Islamic Era. In: Integrating Sciences in Historical and Archaeological Research. pp. 173-186.
Recipe Details
Ingredients
orpiment, indigo
Preparation Steps
The ink identified as 'līqa' in the text of fol. 17v of Lbg 637 is composed of orpiment and indigo. The text suggests these specific ingredients were used to produce the green stains observed on the fingertips of the user who handled the manuscript (p. 178).
Original Recipe Text
The ink identified as 'līqa' in the text of fol. 17v of Lbg 637 is composed of orpiment and indigo. The text suggests these specific ingredients were used to produce the green stains observed on the fingertips of the user who handled the manuscript (p. 178).
Evidence
"the main components of the colour were identified as orpiment and indigo, which are the same ingredients mentioned in a recipe of a green ink (līqa) located in fol. 17v, on the opposite side of the more evident stain. While this might be a coincidence, it can also suggest that the user was searching in the manuscript for the recipe corresponding to the colour they were preparing."
Remarks
The manuscript Berlin, SBB, Lbg 637 shows green traces left by fingertips in the margins and fore-edge of the pages, indicating practical use. The chemical identification of orpiment and indigo matches the recipe found in the manuscript (p. 178).
Scientific Analysis
Chemical CompositionAs2S3 (Orpiment)
Analytical Techniques
Raman
XRF
FTIR
UV-NIR Reflectography
Certainty Level
Confirmed
Instrumentally Verified
Verified
Metadata
Material Type
ink
ColorGreen
RegionMaghreb
Approx. Year1850
Source Information
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