1. What makes Morrow Archival pigments unique?

Morrow Archival specializes in rare and historical pigments and dyes, created using traditional, historical techniques and environmentally responsible methods. We prioritize high-performance pigments with deep historical significance, ensuring they are archival-grade, maximally pigmented, and true to their historical roots.

2. Are your pigments safe to use?

Most of our pigments are non-toxic and safe for standard artistic use. However, some historical pigments contain naturally occurring heavy metals (e.g., lead-based, mercury based, or arsenic-containing pigments). These will always be clearly labeled with proper safety information. We recommend using gloves, a respirator, and working in a well-ventilated space when handling powdered pigments, especially those with potential toxicity.

3. How do you source your materials?

We meticulously source our raw materials from sustainable and ethical sources. Some pigments are handcrafted from natural minerals, plants, or biological sources collected responsibly, while others are carefully recreated based on historical recipes. Modern pigments are created using laboratory grade materials for the highest level of purity.

4. What techniques do you use to make your pigments?

We use a combination of historical and modern techniques, including grinding minerals, lake precipitation for organic dyes, and traditional extraction methods. Many of our pigments are processed using techniques dating back to the Renaissance, medieval period, or ancient times. Any pigments that do not use these historical techniques are clearly labeled as "created", "modern", and/or "synthetic".

5. Are your pigments lightfast?

Lightfastness varies depending on the pigment, but we prioritize archival-quality materials. Each pigment listing includes its historical durability and lightfastness rating based on either ASTM standards (if available) or our own testing. Some historical or plant-based dyes and lake pigments may naturally fade over time and are noted in the pigment information section of the description.

6. Can I use your pigments for watercolor, oil, or other mediums?

Our pigments are pure, allowing artists to mix them into their preferred medium. They can be bound with honey or gum arabic for watercolors, walnut or linseed oil for oils, or egg yolk or white for tempera. We recommend grinding them finely and mulling thoroughly for the best results.

7. How should I store my pigments?

Store pigments in a dry, airtight container away from direct sunlight and humidity. Some natural pigments, like organic lakes, may be more sensitive to moisture and light and should be kept in a cool, dry place.

8. Do you offer custom pigment recreation or larger quantities?

Yes! If you are looking for a specific historical pigment or for more info on the exact process used to create a particular pigment for archival use, we should be able to help. Contact us with details, and we’ll discuss availability and feasibility. If you are looking for larger quantities or wholesale quantities and pricing, contact us for pricing and availability.

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Madder Lake Deep Red Watercolor Paint | Handmade, Natural Organic Pigment

Name: Madder Lake Deep Red Watercolor Paint | Handmade, Natural Organic Pigment
Brand: MorrowArchival
SKU: 1879049796
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)

Made by Jerome

Owner of MorrowArchival

4.9 (349)

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What to know

Materials

Natural Pigment, Honey

Description
Madder Lake Deep is our exquisitely hand-crafted watercolor paint made with an extremely concentrated, high-quality single source pigment. Every pan is meticulously hand mulled, filled, and labeled—using only pure local honey and all natural gum arabic to achieve an exceptionally concentrated and richly textured pigment. Every paint is single pigment with maximum concentration and no binders, fillers, or extenders.

Madder Lake Deep is a richly hued, natural lake pigment made from real fermented madder root (Rubia tinctorum), following traditional dye extraction and laking techniques. This historic red, used by artists since antiquity and revered during the Renaissance, yields a glowing crimson with subtle violet undertones, remarkable transparency, and luminous warmth. The fermentation and slow precipitation process enhances its depth and complexity, producing a color that varies between blood red, rose, and deep scarlet depending on how it’s layered.

This pigment was once the backbone of masterworks in oil, tempera, and manuscript illumination. Our Madder Lake Deep honors that legacy in watercolor form, handcrafted with care from plant to pan. Ideal for portraiture, glazing, botanical studies, and classical palettes, it blends beautifully with earth tones and ultramarine for expressive, historical harmony.

Key Features
Single Source Pigment: Each product features one pure pigment, chosen for its exceptional quality.

Handmade Artisanal Process: Crafted in small batches, our watercolors are hand mulled on a glass slab and hand packed to preserve the integrity of the pigment.

Maximum Pigment Load: Designed to provide maximum color saturation, our formula contains no artificial additives or fillers

Recommended Use: Best used with a gum arabic medium to achieve optimal reactivation and fluidity.

Pigment Information
Pigment Type: Natural organic lake pigment
Source: Fermented madder root (Rubia tinctorum), laked with alum
Origin: Handmade in-house using traditional methods (madder root sourced from Europe or Turkey)
Lightfastness: Moderate (best preserved in protected or archival conditions)
Opacity: Transparent to semi-transparent with strong granulation
Other Names: Rose Madder Deep, Madder Crimson, Alizarin Crimson (natural variant)
Color Index Code: NR9 (Natural Red 9)

Production Process
Our watercolors are created with passion and precision. The pigment is carefully hand mulled and then mixed with pure local honey, ensuring an exceptionally concentrated and vibrant product. The entire process is carried out by hand—from mixing and mulling to filling and labeling—so you can be confident in the artisanal quality of every pan.

Usage & Care
For professional and consistent results, we recommend using a gum arabic medium. Please store in a secure area away from children and pets, and dispose of any waste in an environmentally friendly manner in accordance with all local, state, and national regulations.

If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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What buyers say

5.0 (3)

“I’ve always stayed clear of natural dye lakes as they e have historically been less lightfast than synthetic organic reds. But I love the quality of all the Morrow products I’ve bought that I decided to give this one a try. So far I’ve only swatched a little and it’s tough to say if I’ll fall in love with Madder Lake Deep Red. My plan right now is to make a project around an Antique Herbarium scene, so assuming I can collect enough watercolors to execute this idea, I will know soon!”

Len

7 days ago

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Price:$18.00+

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Order today to get by Jul 30-Aug 4
Exchanges accepted within 7 days.
Ships from: Warren, MI

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Cost to ship: $5.28

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Reviews for this item

5.0

(3 reviews)

5.0 Item quality

5.0 Shipping

5.0 Customer service

100% Buyers recommend

Len Jul 20, 2026

I’ve always stayed clear of natural dye lakes as they e have historically been less lightfast than synthetic organic reds. But I love the quality of all the Morrow products I’ve bought that I decided to give this one a try. So far I’ve only swatched a little and it’s tough to say if I’ll fall in love with Madder Lake Deep Red. My plan right now is to make a project around an Antique Herbarium scene, so assuming I can collect enough watercolors to execute this idea, I will know soon!

Len Jul 20, 2026

Wolf May 23, 2026

These are excellent quality and highly recommend buying.

Wolf May 23, 2026

Jill Apr 11, 2025

These are, hands down, the most interesting and high quality paints I have used. To see these rare and extinct pigments brought to life by someone who truly understands their history and importance is something special. Each color has its own personality and you can coax the best out of each one by experimenting with them - wet on dry here, wet in wet there, add some water blooms, more water on the brush and a firmer stroke to coax out the granulation, etc. If you want to experience truly high-quality, archival pigments that were used by the Great Masters, then this is the shop for you. I cannot recommend Jermone's work enough. I am so very grateful that my Etsy algorithm brought me to his shop. I loved every single paint that I've bought, and I will be buying more!