Walnut ink

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Cross-section of the husk from which walnut ink is made
Wash with walnut ink before drying

Walnut ink is an ink made from the green husk surrounding the nut of walnuts. The black walnut Juglans nigra is usually used. The ink may be liquid or made of crystals that are mixed with water before use. It can be used to produce stains and darken paper to make it look older. The ink has good archival properties.[1]

An ancient use of walnut ink was to stain the hands of criminals in Romani communities. Once stained, it is impossible to wash off and remains in the skin for a long period of time.[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Black Walnut Ink Workshop". Guild of Natural Science Illustrators. October 2002. Archived from the original on 26 February 2020. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
  2. ^ Parker, Dian (14 June 2012). "Chelsea Library Shows Paintings Of an Important New Talent". The Herald. Randolph, Vermont. Retrieved 19 October 2017.

Further reading[edit]