Definition

1. Noun:
   • A black pigment made from grinding burnt ivory in oil: "Ivory black" refers to a specific type of black pigment historically produced by charring ivory and then grinding the resulting material into a fine powder, often mixed with a binder like oil for use in painting.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The artist preferred the deep, warm tone of ivory black for his shadows.
  • This 18th-century portrait was analyzed and found to contain ivory black.

Advanced Usage

• Art Historical Context: In art history and conservation, "ivory black" is a term used to identify the materials and techniques of historical artworks. Its use helps date and authenticate paintings.
  • The presence of ivory black, rather than a modern carbon black, suggested the painting was from the Renaissance period.

Variants and Related Words

• Bone black: A similar pigment made from charring animal bones. While related, it is a distinct material with different properties.
  • Bone black is often more blue-toned than traditional ivory black.

Synonyms

• Pigment black: A general term for black coloring substances.
• Carbon black: A modern black pigment made from soot or charred organic materials, often used as a contemporary substitute.

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically denotes the historical method of production from ivory. It is not a generic term for any black color or paint. Its use today is mostly in the context of historical art, restoration, or specialized fine art materials.

Noun

1. a black pigment made from grinding burnt ivory in oil