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Types of Oxides Used in Traditional Art

Pigments used in traditional art forms frequently contain oxides, which are substances that tint paints, ceramics and stains. Rust, a well-known oxide, appears as a stain in pottery and woodwork. Artists mix oxides with water and apply them over surfaces to enhance colors and produce brilliant, dynamic effects. According the "Springer Handbook of Condensed Matter and Materials Data: Volume 1," oxides are the most common constituents of traditional art and ceramics.
  1. Lead Oxides

    • A number of lead oxides appear in ceramics. According to the book "Traditional Arts and Crafts of Japan," lead oxide colors traditional Japanese ceramic wares. Sulyen is a raspberry-colored oxide of lead that is used in traditional Turkish art to glaze ceramics and pottery.

      Lead oxides also appear in paints. A type of lead oxide named minium ranges in color from bright orange to deep red and is popularly used as a red-colored pigment in paints and traditional art. White lead, also called Vienna white or Cremnitz white, functions as a white-colored pigment in traditional art. According to the authors of "Painting Materials: A Short Encyclopaedia," white lead is the most important of the lead oxides. Litharge and massicot are names given to yellow lead oxide, which is used as a pigment in traditional Indian art.

    Uranium Oxides

    • Some uranium oxides serve as pigments in traditional art. According to the authors of the "Materials Handbook," uranium oxide is a green-colored pigment; uranium trioxide is a yellow-orange powder that is used in ceramics and glass; uranium pentoxide and uranous oxide are black-colored pigments; and sodium uranate is a orange to yellow colored pigment that is used in traditional glazes and pottery.

    Iron Oxides

    • Iron oxides are commonly used in traditional art. The oxides of iron produce a wide range of colors, from pale yellow to dark brown, depending on the extent of hydration. The oxides of iron are known by many names, including hematite, red ochre, yellow ochre and ferrous oxide.

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