Bone Char (Noun)
Meaning
Black substance containing char in the form of carbonized bone; used as a black pigment.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Artists have used bone char to create rich, velvety blacks since the Renaissance era.
- The old master painter relied heavily on bone char to darken the shadows in his chiaroscuro portraits.
- Bone char is still used today by some artists seeking a historically accurate or environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic pigments.
- Despite its availability in craft stores, bone char can be hazardous to health if inhaled or ingested, so artists must take precautions when handling it.
- In the 19th century, bone char was widely used in the production of bone black ink, a highly valued writing fluid among scholars and calligraphers.