MINERAL PAINTING

Mineral painting, also known as Nihonga and Yan Cai, is an ancient painting material characterized by the use of natural minerals and rocks as its main components. The history of this form of painting is extensive, tracing back to civilizations such as ancient Egypt, India, and China.

The primary components of Mineral Painting are natural minerals and rocks, which are ground, sifted, and cleaned to form a fine powder. Due to the use of different minerals, Mineral Painting boasts a rich palette of colors. These colors are not only vibrant but also stable and resistant to fading. When painting, an appropriate amount of binder (like animal gum) is often added to ensure that the pigments adhere to the canvas or paper.

In ancient times, Mineral Painting was commonly used for murals, scripture writing, and artistic painting. For example, ancient Buddhist murals in China extensively utilized Mineral Painting. Mineral Painting is not just an artistic medium but also carries rich cultural and historical values. It reflects the understanding and use of colors by ancient people.