New Cinnabar, cylinders with rounded ends and floral design, 30x8mm
Cinnabar, also known as “vermillion”, is a mineral (mercury sulfide) that has been mined and used as a red pigment by many cultures around the world since the tenth century BC.
It is the ore of oxidized mercury, often found near volcanic activity or hot springs. Cinnabar was highly valued for its very durable and intense red color. So much so that it was not replaced until Cadmium Red was discovered in 1910 as a safer, vibrant and stable red pigment.
Asian lacquer (resin from trees) was colored, either red with cinnabar, or black with charcoal. It could be painted onto flat objects, or carved, as in cinnabar beads.
In addition to its artistic applications, cinnabar was also used as a source of mercury for medicinal or spiritual uses. We now know that mercury is poisonous, but don’t worry! New Cinnabar beads are made from molded polymer clay similar to Sculpey and Fimo, and have no connection to mercury.
I am including some Vintage Cinnabar lacquer beads for collectors. Casual handling isn’t considered harmful, although it’s a good idea to wash hands afterwards. To be on the safe side wearing vintage lacquer cinnabar next to the skin is not recommended, and vintage beads should absolutely be kept out of reach of children, who could be harmed by putting them in their mouths.
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