Brazilwood Ink - Medieval Red Ink

Brazilwood Ink: A Historical Red Pigment 30 ml

Brazilwood ink, one of the highest quality inks found in medieval British manuscripts, is renowned for its intense crimson color. Historically used for rubrication (from Latin "rubricare" - to color red), it was employed to highlight specific text in illuminated manuscripts and continues to be effective in modern art applications.

The ink is traditionally made by simmering wood chunks in vinegar, wine, urine, or beer. Its principal colorant, Brasilin (a hydroxyanthraquinone), oxidizes to form brasilein, producing deep red to brownish hues. When combined with different mordants, it creates varied colors - purple with chrome, crimson with alum, and when mordanted on chalk, shades ranging from lavender to cherry to deep red. Adding a small amount of Oak Gall Ink can produce vibrant violet tones.

The term "Brazil/Brasil/Brasill" referred to various trees worldwide that contained brazilin.

Due to the endangered status of the original Brazilwood tree, our ink is made from Sappanwood, which contains the same brazilian compound and is more sustainably harvested. The ink's color can vary from red to purplish depending on the paper's pH level. This versatile dye has been used since the 12th century in Europe for textiles, inks, paints, varnish tints, and wood stains, offering a more affordable alternative to carmine-based red lake pigments.

This particular ink formulation follows the historical recipe from "The Booke of Secrets," maintaining traditional techniques while using sustainable materials.

Each 30 ml bottle of ink will contain cloves which are used to prevent mold.