Tyrian Purple
Item
Identifier
2025.119
Title
Tyrian Purple
Type
Material
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Description
The royal red of antiquity is named after Pupura Lapillus, the shellfish which excretes the purple dye, also called Tyrian dye. Traditionally adorning the robes of emperors, kings and chief magistrates, 1 gram of this dye is made from the secretion of 10.000 of these large sea snails. Since ancient times Purple has been used for dying wool, cotton and silk. One can use the dye directly from the shellfish for this procedure. The pigment made from this natural dye is called Tyrian Purple or Imperial Purple. It can be used for painting.
Subject
dyes; dye; dyeing; purple; red
Source
Purchased from Kremer Pigments
Copyright statement
These images are posted publicly for non-profit educational uses, excluding printed publication. Other uses may not be permitted.