Jain Miniature Paintings from Western India c9.s3.12

c9.s3.12

In order to ensure that the above mentioned preparation of cinnabar has the right proportion of gum, the cinnabar powder should be examined several times in the course of preparation. For this, a simple experiment is suggested in which a paper is spotted with cinnabar solution, folded and kept in a damp place. If the ends do not stick immediately, then the gum is in right proportion. To determine whether the cinnabar does not possess the right proportion of gum, the cinnabar spot on the paper should be allowed to dry, and if the colour is easily flaked with the fingernails, then it is apparent that it requires more gum.