Having found lists of obscure/obsolete color names and rounded out the alphabet with a few simply-charming-to-me colors, each day, I’ll introduce a color and a swatch I’ve painted and then write about whatever comes to mind as I muse about the day’s color. Fair warning, my mind is a non-linear traveler, so who knows where my contemplations will take us.
H is for…
Han Purple – ancient Chinese pigment described as electric indigo.
This is the first known synthetic pigment formulated in China. and used by artists in the Western Zhou period (1045-771 BCE) until the end of the Han dynasty (220 CE). It’s made from barium copper silicate.
The pigment was first used in glass beads, and it is speculated that it may have been developed while trying to create a jade-like glass and using lead to lower the melting point of the barium. Later the pigment was used in paint, and it was used to paint the Terracotta Army Warriors – the huge array of clay figures found near the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
As a vibrant purple hue, Han Purple was a rarity, and made it a very powerful color. That’s likely one of the reasons it was used on the Terracotta Army Warriors, although only traces can be seen as the hue largely oxidized after exhumation of the figures.
While Han Purple continues to fascinate as a color, physicists and researchers discovered some interesting properties about it that continue to fuel further research. I can’t say that I actually understand this, but “when exposed to extremely low temperatures, magnetic waves going through the pigment lose their dimension. At higher temperatures, it propagates like a regular wave traveling in three dimensions. Get it under one degree, Kelvin, and it no longer has a vertical component. It propagates in two dimensions only. This fluctuating state of matter isn’t seen often.” The research is of interest to scientists studying the building of quantum computers.
While I actually find all that fascinating, knowing Han Purple started out as a bead colorant has me musing about beads, which is another thing I’m quite interested in. I’ve done a lot of beading and jewelry making over the years, and I have quite a collection of beads, many of which I keep in glass jars sitting in the windows of my studio where they can capture the light and share their colors and sparkle.
I’m charmed by this card I’ve had for many years of a bird stringing berry beads. I move it around my studio regularly, but currently, it’s tucked in a large basket of beading projects I’ve gathered to work on. It amuses me to think of the bird nesting in my basket, and I like imagining she’s keeping an eye on things and perhaps will even be tempted to tackle some of the backlogs for me.
Another bird that delights me is this crow holding a string of beads. Anne Choi is the artist and I’ve collected quite a few of her fabulous beads.
Clearly I must have some crow genes myself!
What about you? Intrigued by Han purple? Have you ever seen the Terracotta Army? Are you a lover of beads? Do tell – you know I’d love to hear.
Interesting that this was a comparatively rare and difficult pigment to make – much like the Roman purple derived from tiny shells and just to make sure it remained the “Royal” Purple, anyone else was banned from using it.
Your posts make one want to see these obscure colours…
Complex and costly to produce, purples were indeed precious. Colors used to define separation hurt my heart in ways that surprise me. But I agree, Andrew, it would be wonderful to see these obscure colors.
Hari OM
I certainly love purple, but was not cognizant of the Han hue! It is certainly vibrant. And yes, I saw the travelling set of the TA when it visited Sydney back in the nougties. Such atmosphere came from them even in that museum setting… I can only imagine the ambience back on their ‘home base’! I like to look at beads, but am not a ‘magpie’ for them! YAM xx
How great you got to see the Terracotta Army exhibition. I can certainly appreciate you feeling the energy of them and can only imagine what the whole contingent must have evoked.
I absolutely adore that color. My girls loved beads but I didn’t love running over them with the vacuum cleaner. 🙂
Fair point, Margaret – beads can be bumpy underfoot and noisy when vacuumed up.
That is such a glorious colour.
I like the idea of the little bird keeping an eye on you and your projects.
Thanks for stopping by, Janice. I’ve just visited your blog and enjoyed all your H nature treasures.
Such a pretty color purple.
I agree.
Yes, the quantum physics discussion is pretty deep but clearly special.
Beth
https://bethlapinsatozblog.wordpress.com/
I’m always (s fascinated by those strange connections – how one unrelated thing can be a catalyst for understanding (or at least inspiring exploration) of something so vastly different.
A gorgeous blue! I have Fiestaware plates and bowls that are this color — very soothing.
I’m not sure I’ve seen Fiestaware in that color – but I bet I’d love it too.
I believe I saw the Terra Cotta Soldiers exhibit in 2016 at The Field Museum in Chicago. I really was freaked out about the part where Han Purple can lose it’s dimension. Visiting from the A to Z challenge.
They were in Chicago. The Field Museum is one of my favorite places. I thought the dimension bit was pretty amazing – and somehow profoundly crucial in understanding the universe, although my mind hasn’t unfolded it yet. In any case, thanks for stopping by.
I would love to see the Terra Cotta Army – with or without technicolor! I’m fascinated by how garish it turns out ancient art often was. It isn’t really surprising when of course people love bright beautiful colors, but it’s hard to picture the Parthenon, Mayan reliefs, and the Terra Cotta Warriors in bright colors. Now that bright colors are all around us in advertising, etc., they’re more likely to seem tacky.
Alphabet of Alphabets: Hoch-Deutsches History
Except point Anne.
I have seen the terra-cotta army but didn’t see any Han purple or even know about it. I had a book signed by the man reputed to be the finder of the terra cotta warriors but then discovered it was all a con.
How wonderful you got to see them! I think only small traces of the color have been found.
I really like the bird stringing berry beads. I can’t help but wonder whether it’s for herself or is being made to adorn a feathered friend. 🙂
I love imagining she’s creating it to gift!
Electric indigo… I love it!
It’s presence won’t be ignored.
Han Purple and its story is fascinating!
Love the little bird in your beading basket. Wish I had one who’d help me with my backlogs of everything:)
Han Purple’s physical properties were fascinating to read even if I didn’t understand their implication.