In 1470, bismuth, a silver-like metal, was mined in Schneeberg, in the Erzgebirge.
One of its first uses was in the production of painting and decorating small coffers,
or cashboxes, and small cabinets with drawers. The bismuth was pulverized to a powder, emulsified with a viscous binding medium, and painted over a gessoed ground. Decorated with semitransparent lacquer or tempera colors, the painting took on a jewel-like quality. Flower patterns spread out over the background, often black, like a carpet or tapestry. Love symbols, paired birds, hearts, entwined hands, or couples, are an indication that most of the pieces were intended as love gifts.
Palette:
Jo Sonja's Artist's Colors
Amethyst
Brilliant Green
Brilliant Violet
Carbon Black
Celadon
Dioxazine Purple
Gold Oxide
Jaune Brilliant
Olive Green
Moss Green
Naples Yellow Hue
Napthol Red Light
Pearl White
Pine Green
Purple Madder
Red Earth
Red Violet or Burgundy Rose Pink
Sap Green
Sapphire
Ultramarine
Unbleached Titanium Vermillion
Warm White
Yellow Deep
Yellow Oxide