The forbidden history of colors
Chapter 1
The colors of power and empire
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Chapter 2
The deadly shades of home decor
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Chapter 3
Pigments from bizarre and taboo sources
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Chapter 4
The modern battles for exclusive colors
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YOUR GOAL
Master of The forbidden history of colors
Ch 3 · Pigments from bizarre and taboo sources
Fun Fact
Indian Yellow: Outlawed in 1908 due to animal cruelty, this vibrant pigment was harvested from the urine of cows fed only mango leaves, which left them severely malnourished.
Glossary
dragon's blood (noun)
A vivid red pigment harvested from the thick, crimson resin of the Dracaena cinnabari tree. When cut, this bizarre plant appears to bleed. It's like painting with a dragon's 'blood'.
A vivid red pigment harvested from the thick, crimson resin of the Dracaena cinnabari tree. When cut, this bizarre plant appears to bleed. It's like painting with a dragon's 'blood'.
choko Mummy Brown
They painted with the Pharaohs for a rich and earthy tone, Grinding ancient history right down into the bone.
Fun Fact
Mummy retirement: Artist Edward Burne-Jones was so horrified to learn his paint contained human remains that he gave his tube a formal burial.
Glossary
mummy brown (noun)
A rich brown pigment historically prepared from the ground remains of mummified human bodies. London color maker C. Roberson discontinued the pigment in 1964 after exhausting its supply of mummified remains.
A rich brown pigment historically prepared from the ground remains of mummified human bodies. London color maker C. Roberson discontinued the pigment in 1964 after exhausting its supply of mummified remains.
Quiz
What is the actual botanical source of the ancient red pigment known as 'dragon's blood'?
Quiz
In what year was the production of Indian yellow outlawed due to animal cruelty concerns?
Quiz
Which island group is famous for the native Dracaena trees that produce dragon's blood resin?
Quiz
In which decade did paint manufacturers finally stop producing mummy brown because they ran out of materials?