Pronunciation: [sˈɪnə͡ʊpə] (IPA) 
The word "sinoper" is spelled as /saɪˈnoʊ.pər/. It is a type of red pigment that was traditionally used in pottery and ceramics. The word comes from the Greek word "synōperos", meaning "made of sinope", which was a city located in the northern part of modern-day Turkey. In spelling the word, "s" is pronounced as "sai", "i" as "eye", "n" as "noh", "o" as "oh", "p" as "puh", "e" as "er".
Sinoper refers to a red pigment that was historically derived from a naturally occurring red clay called hematite. The term "sinoper" originates from the French word "sinople," meaning red ochre. It has been widely used as a colorant in various artistic and industrial applications.
As a pigment, sinoper exhibits a distinctive deep reddish-brown hue. It possesses high opacity and lightfastness, ensuring its color remains vibrant and resistant to fading over time. Sinoper has been especially popular in traditional oil painting techniques, where it is often used to depict earthy and warm tones. Its versatile nature allows it to be easily modified by blending with other colors, enabling artists to create a wide range of shades and hues.
Beyond the realm of art, sinoper has also found applications in pottery, ceramics, and textiles. Its ability to withstand high temperatures makes it suitable for use in the production of ceramic glazes and the coloring of clay. In the textile industry, it has been employed to dye fabrics and yarns.
Although sinoper was frequently used throughout history, modern manufacturing has largely replaced it with synthetic alternatives. These substitute pigments provide similar characteristics while offering improved consistency and accessibility. Despite this, sinoper remains a term referencing the rich and earthy red tones that continue to be cherished in various artistic and industrial fields.
A ferruginous quartz or jasper, of a blood or brownish red colour.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "sinoper" originates from the Italian word "sinopia", which was borrowed from the late Latin term "sinopis". Ultimately, "sinopis" was derived from the Greek word "sinōpē", which referred to a natural red ocher pigment. The Greek term was named after the ancient city of Sinope, located on the Black Sea coast of modern-day Turkey. Sinope was a renowned center for the production and trade of this red ocher pigment, which was highly valued as a painting material in ancient times. Over time, the term "sinoper" came to be used to describe both the pigment and the reddish-brown color it produced.
