On Vermillion

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The history of the pigment Vermillion (also spelled Vermilion) is both ancient and multicultural; it is one of the oldest colors known to humankind, yet it is known to us today more as a coloristic idea than as a singly identifiable hue.  Most often in the "blood-orange" range, it vacillates from reddish-orange to orangish-pinkish-scarlet and yet it remains a vivid, clearly identifiable coloristic experience.

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The first known instance of its use as a pigment is in Neolithic wall paintings found in modern day Turkey, dated between 8000 and 7000 BC.​  The artificial version of the pigment was first developed in China in the 4th century BC. However, the natural version made from ground cinnabar mineral continued to be used alongside it. During the Ancient Roman period, cinnabar was mined in Almadén, Spain, and created the hot, orange-red that was so characteristic of Roman frescoes.  In China, Vermillion’s importance has caused it to be known as “Chinese red.” The color is thought to be symbolic of life and good fortune and was used to paint temples and the Emperor’s carriage.

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Now seen ubiquitously in advertising and clothing dyes, in marital rituals, floral arrangements and so on, Vermillion is one of very few colors that has the capacity to burn itself instantly into the retina thereby remaining vivid in our imaginations.  It's a summertime color, popping up on bathing suits and beach blankets, in Fourth of July fireworks, citrus fruits, on soccer uniforms, in mixed drinks and sunsets.​​​

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