POLBEN's Pigment Bone Pigment Set consists of three different colours of bone pigment. This includes Bone White, Bone Grey, and Bone Black, all created from calcining bone.
Bone black is a deep black pigment made by charring animal bones in a low-oxygen environment to very high temperatures. This process carbonises the organic material in the bone, turning it black and crumbly. The blackened bones are denser than lamp black, containing 84% calcium phosphate and only 10% carbon. Once ground they produce a rich, warm black pigment that pre-dates history.
Bone white is an off-white pigment made by calcining bones at high temperatures in the presence of oxygen. This burns away all organic material, leaving behind mostly calcium phosphate, which is white. The result is bone ash, which can be ground into a fine white powder for pigment or other uses. The result is a pigment or filler, often used in ceramics, encaustic painting, or as a base in pastels.
Bone pigment is my favourite pigment to create, as the process leads to uncontrollable results, where each batch can be a different shade or, even, colour.
USE: These pigments can be used immediately as a dried powder rubbed onto the substrate, or it can be mixed with a variety of binders, including but not limited to, gum arabic, linseed oil, gum tragacanth, setting agents, and encaustic wax medium. For paint-making, I recommend mulling your pigment into the binder with a muller and grinding slab, this results in a very fine, smooth paint.
HEALTH & SAFETY: The animal bones are collected as waste from roadkill, culled deer and food. Bone pigment is not considered hazardous, but I advise wearing a mask when airborne.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: This is a handmade product that has been collected, washed, ground and packaged. Be aware there may be slight variations in shade from batch to batch. Due to its handmade-nature, this pigment has a distinct smell. The pigment is completely stable/lightfast.
My Bone Pigments are packaged in corked and waxed, 20ml glass vials.
SHIPPING TO AMERICA: Buyers shipping to America are responsible for any tariffs, duties and fees that may apply.
