The correct spelling of the color often referred to as "chinese white" is actually "Chinese white." The word "Chinese" is spelled with a capital "C" as it relates to the country of China. The pronunciation of this color is /tʃaɪˌniːz waɪt/, with the stress on the first syllable of "chinese" and the second syllable of "white." The IPA phonetic transcription for "chinese white" includes the sounds for the voiceless palato-alveolar affricate "ch," the long "i" vowel, and the voiceless dental fricative "th" in "white."
Chinese white refers to a type of white pigment commonly used in traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy, and other forms of Asian art. Also known as "blanc de Chine," it is a dense, opaque, and highly luminous white pigment that is derived from a variety of sources including minerals, shells, and other natural substances.
One of the most common materials used to produce Chinese white is pulverized shells, particularly those of scallops or clams. These shells are cleaned, crushed, and then finely ground into a powder which is further refined to remove impurities, resulting in a pure white pigment. Other sources of Chinese white pigment include minerals such as gypsum, kaolin clay, and barite, all of which contribute to its bright and smooth appearance.
Chinese white is often used in conjunction with other colors to create a wide range of hues in traditional Chinese painting. Its opaque nature allows it to act as a strong covering pigment, enabling artists to create solid white areas or enhance the brightness of other colors. Due to its versatility, Chinese white is highly valued for its ability to add depth, shape, and contrast in paintings, calligraphy, and artwork.
In summary, Chinese white is a dense and luminous white pigment derived from natural sources such as shells or minerals. Its popular use in traditional Asian art, particularly Chinese painting and calligraphy, stems from its opacity and versatility, allowing it to enhance other colors and create variety and dimension in finished works.
The term "Chinese white" refers to a type of white pigment used in art and painting. The etymology of this term is linked to the historical use of this pigment in China.
The word "Chinese" in this context denotes that the pigment was originally produced or associated with China. There are often different names assigned to pigments or materials based on their place of origin or where they were produced. In this case, "Chinese" suggests the pigment's association with China.
The term "white" simply refers to the color of the pigment. It is derived from the Old English word "hwīt", which means the absence of color or the color of milk or snow.
Overall, the term "Chinese white" indicates a white pigment associated with China.